Metallica: Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth), Live in Chicago 1983

On February 10th each year we celebrate Cliff Burton’s birthday. But this year is special: it’s officially Cliff Burton Day.

That’s why we’re observing the holiday with a live performance of the legendary Metallica bassist’s most famous bass solo composition, “Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth).” Recorded live at the Metro in Chicago during a 1983 performance, the clip shows Burton ripping through the song with improvisations tying the phrases together.

So many bassists covered “Anesthesia,” but no one did it quite like Cliff.