Flotsam and Jetsam
Bio
Flotsam & Jetsam formed in Phoenix, Arizona, in the early 80s and their 1986 debut ‘Doomsday for the Deceiver’ (1986) is still considered a genre classic.
The stellar performance of bassist and main songwriter/lyricist Jason Newsted didn’t go unnoticed and Metallica recruited Newsted to replace Cliff Burton, who was killed in a tragic tour bus accident. Still, Flotsam and Jetsam didn’t break stride, as illustrated by ‘No Place for Disgrace’ (1988). They subsequently inked a new deal with MCA but ‘When the Storm Comes Down’ (1990) didn’t make the impact they were hoping for. Throughout the nineties Flotsam and Jetsam sailed a more progressive course, with varying degrees of success. Their recent history is characterised by personnel changes but they nevertheless sound rejuvenated on the aptly self-titled ‘Flotsam and Jetsam’ (2016). The return of former members Mike Gilbert and Michael Spencer brought fresh oxygen to the band, culminating in ‘The End of Chaos’ (2019). ‘I Am the Weapon’ (2024) is their latest contribution and continues the resurgence that started with their self-titled 2016 release. Welcome back to Alcatraz!
