Jason Newsted — Comeback After Throat Cancer and Chophouse Tour

Jason Newsted is back on stage. The former Metallica bassist, diagnosed with throat cancer in May 2025, has come through the illness and has been touring North America with his Chophouse Band since 1 July 2026.

On Rolling Stone's „Nashville Now" podcast, Newsted spoke candidly about the treatment and its aftermath. The procedure removed his tonsils and lymph nodes, he said, and the recovery brought on a severe depression that only lifted after several weeks.

What pulled him back, he explained, was swimming, cycling and above all music. He needs to get out and play these songs for people, Newsted said — on stage he feels as alive as possible. He had first ignored warning signs such as earaches and a sore jaw, seeking medical help only after finding a lump on his neck.

The 18-date headline tour began in early July and wraps with two nights at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium on 24 and 25 July 2026. Newsted received his „free and clear" roughly three weeks before May 2026.

Sources: Blabbermouth, SPIN.