We all know the story of Jason Newsted’s departure from Metallica (if you don’t, then watch Some Kind Of Monster, that should catch you up to date). Since then, the bassist has played with Voivod, had a short stint in Ozzy Osbourne’s band, and even formed a reality TV band with Tommy Lee (who owns the Rock Star Supernova album? Don’t lie!). But for the past couple of years, Newsted seems to have kept a low profile. In fact, the last time we can remember hearing from him was at Metallica’s Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction. This past Saturday (October 22), though, Newsted came out of hiding with his stoner punk/metal band Papa Wheelie.

Though apparently the group formed back in 2000, Papa Wheelie performed their second ever show this past Saturday at the Time Out bar in Concord, CA. The band consists of Newsted on guitars and vocals, Joe Ledesma on bass, and Steven Wiig (who just so happens to be the former assistant who sued Lars Ulrich for unpaid overtime) on drums. Video of Papa Wheelie performing their first song Saturday night has been posted above. Though Jason Newsted’s stoner punk band certainly doesn’t share much resemblance to Metallica, neither does Lulu.

You can watch video of Papa Wheelie live above. The band also has more dates coming up in the California area, including a one off opening stint for Kyuss Lives! and The Sword. You can check out an entire run down of Papa Wheelie’s upcoming shows after the jump, while you can also sample rough demos and live recordings at their Facebook and MySpace pages.

10/27 @ Red Devil Lounge 1655 Polk St # 1 San Francisco (with Anvil)

10/29 @ 9 Lives 73 Monterey St Gilroy ,CA (with Rivals & Relapse

11/5 @ Fourth Street Tavern 711 4th St San Rafael, CA (with Knight Drive)

11/19 @ The Regency Ballroom 1300 Van Ness Ave San Francisco, CA (with Kyuss Lives!, The Sword & Black Cobra)