Robert Trujillo: The Bassist Who Rocks Metallica And Beyond

How Much Money Does Robert Trujillo Have?

Let me tell you about Robert Trujillo, the man who not only rocks the stage but also the bank account. With a staggering net worth of $40 million, this talented musician and songwriter has earned every penny through his incredible journey in the music world. Robert officially joined Metallica in 2003, filling the void left by Jason Newsted. But his career didn't start there. Before Metallica, he was a force to be reckoned with in the hardcore punk band Suicidal Tendencies and the funk metal supergroup Infectious Grooves. His skills weren't limited to just bass playing; he also collaborated with legends like Ozzy Osbourne and the Black Label Society.

But that's not all—Robert has also dabbled in acting, appearing in films and TV shows. Who knew the guy playing bass in the background of Walter Matthau's House Calls or the character "Flippy" in CHiPs would one day become a rock icon? He even made a cameo in Encino Man with Brendan Fraser. This guy truly wears many hats.

Early Days: Where It All Began

Every great story starts somewhere, and Robert Trujillo's journey is no different. Born on October 23, 1964, in Santa Monica, California, Robert grew up in Culver City with a rich cultural heritage of Native American and Mexican ancestry. From a young age, music captivated him, and he wasn't just dabbling—he was diving headfirst into it. At 19, he attended jazz school with dreams of becoming a studio musician, but rock and metal had other plans for him. It was clear early on that his destiny was tied to the raw energy of heavy music.

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Suicidal Tendencies: The Band That Put Him on the Map

In 1989, Robert's career took a major leap when he joined Suicidal Tendencies, replacing Bob Heathcote as the bassist. This wasn't just any band—it was a hardcore punk powerhouse from California, and Robert was ready to bring his A-game. He contributed to their album "Controlled by Hatred/Feel Like Shit…Déjà Vu," where he went by the name Stymee. Over the years, he became an integral part of the band, appearing on several albums like "Lights…Camera…Revolution!" and "Still Cyco After All These Years." By the time he left in 1995, he had left an indelible mark on the punk scene.

Infectious Grooves: Mixing Punk with Funk

Even while rocking with Suicidal Tendencies, Robert found time for another project: Infectious Grooves. This funk metal supergroup, led by Suicidal Tendencies' frontman Mike Muir, brought together some of the biggest names in the genre. Their debut album, "The Plague That Makes Your Booty Move… It's the Infectious Grooves," was released in 1991, and it was just the beginning. The band’s quirky humor and comedy skits featuring an anthropomorphic reptile named Aladdin Sarsippius Sulemenagic Jackson III added a unique twist to their music. Albums like "Sarsippius' Ark" and "Mas Borracho" kept fans grooving for years.

Metallica: The Big Break

Fast forward to 2003, and Robert's career reached its pinnacle when he joined Metallica. After Jason Newsted's departure, Metallica needed someone who could bring the thunder—and Robert was the perfect fit. He wasn't just replacing any ordinary bassist; he was stepping into the shoes of Cliff Burton, a legend who tragically passed away in a 1986 bus accident. The pressure was immense, but Robert didn't flinch. His debut album with Metallica, "Death Magnetic," was a massive success, hitting number one on the Billboard 200. It earned six Grammy nominations and won three, including Best Metal Performance for "My Apocalypse." From 2008 to 2010, Metallica embarked on the World Magnetic Tour, and Robert was right there, shredding on stage.

In 2016, after an eight-year gap, Metallica released "Hardwired… to Self-Destruct," which became their sixth consecutive studio album to debut atop the Billboard 200. And if that wasn't enough, in 2009, Robert and his Metallica bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Talk about making history!

Side Projects and Collaborations

Robert’s talent didn’t stop at Metallica. In the late '90s, he joined Ozzy Osbourne's band, contributing to the 2001 album "Down to Earth." He even re-recorded bass tracks for the reissues of "Blizzard of Ozz" and "Diary of a Madman." Not one to rest on his laurels, Robert formed the experimental supergroup Mass Mental with singer Benji Webbe, releasing studio and live albums in Japan before disbanding. He also lent his skills to Black Label Society, led by Zakk Wylde, and played bass on Jerry Cantrell's "Degradation Trip." On the documentary front, Robert co-wrote and produced "Jaco," a film about the life and legacy of jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius.

His Bass Techniques and Gear

Now let’s talk about Robert’s bass game. He’s a finger-style player, though he occasionally uses a pick. His signature move is playing chord-based harmonics, and he’s a master of the slap bass technique, adding a percussive punch to his sound. When recording, he uses his own unique code for writing bass arrangements, a skill he refined during "Degradation Trip." With Metallica, he primarily uses Warwick Streamer bass guitars, both 5- and 4-string models. Before Metallica, he favored Tobias, MusicMan, and ESP basses. In concert, you might catch him playing a Yamaha TRB5-P2, a customized Rickenbacker, or even a classic Fender Precision or Jazz Bass. In 2010, he teamed up with Dunlop Manufacturing to create his signature bass strings, featuring taper-core stainless steel.

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Life Beyond the Stage

When he’s not rocking stages around the world, Robert enjoys spending time with his family. He’s married to Chloé, and they have two kids: Tye and Lullah. Interestingly, Tye followed in his dad’s footsteps, becoming a bassist himself. He even performed with the nu metal band Korn in 2017 and is now part of the band Suspect208. It’s clear that music runs in the family.

Real Estate Ventures

In December 2007, Robert added another chapter to his story by purchasing a home in Topanga, California, for $1.8 million. This picturesque property is a testament to his success and love for the golden state where it all began.