Bassist Jason Newsted Leaves Metallica

January 17 -- Jason Newsted, who plucked the rumbling basslines to "Enter Sandman" and "God That Failed," is leaving hard rock outfit Metallica after 14 years with the group.

"Due to private and personal reasons, and the physical damage that I have done to myself over the years while playing the music that I love, I must step away from the band," said Newsted in a statement released today. "This is the most difficult decision of my life, made in the best interest of my family, myself, and the continued growth of Metallica. I extend my love, thanks, and best wishes to my brothers: James, Lars, and Kirk, and the rest of the Metallica family, friends, and fans whom have made these years so unforgettable."

Newsted, formerly of Flotsam and Jetsam, joined Metallica in 1986 after original bassist Cliff Burton died in a tour bus crash in Sweden.

His first album with the band was … And Justice for All, which was followed by the enormously successful Metallica in 1991. Since then, the band has recorded Load, Re-Load, Garage Inc., and 1999's S&M, which featured the band playing old and new songs with the backing of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.

Metallica publicists say he performed more than 1,000 shows with the band.

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"Playing with someone who has such unbridled passion for music will forever be a huge inspiration," said singer James Hetfield in a statement. "Onstage every night, he was a driving force to us all, fans and band alike. His connection will never be broken."

"Jason is our brother," added guitarist Kirk Hammett. "He will be missed."

Though no indication was given about a replacement, drummer Lars Ulrich makes it clear that the band will continue, full steam ahead. "We part ways with Jason with more love, more mutual respect, and more understanding of each other than at any other point in the past. James, Kirk, and I look forward to embracing the next chapter of Metallica with both a huge amount of appreciation for the last 14 years with Jason and the excitement of rising to the challenges that lay ahead to make Metallica shine brighter than ever."