We are deeply saddened to report, Ray Burton, the father of the late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton, has passed away. Burton’s death was confirmed by his daughter/Cliff’s sister, Connie, who shared the news via social media, revealing he died on Wednesday.

“To let you all know that my Dad died last Wednesday. Rest in peace, Dad.”

No official cause of death was revealed. Burton, who was reportedly at least 94-years-old, continued to keep the legacy of his son alive as he gave royalty checks the family received from Metallica’s first three albums to scholarships for Cliff’s high school, Castro Valley HS. Ray attended Metallica’s S&M2 concert in San Francisco this past September, which video was captured of him watching the Scott Pingel’s version of Cliff’s solo “Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth).”

Our thoughts go out to Burton’s family and friends during this difficult time. 

RIP Ray Burton – this man gave so much to Metallica fans for his entire life. – My son is the single most greatest thing that’s ever happened to me. I can’t imagine what Ray experienced continuing the legacy his son… https://t.co/agq2emfIYN

— Monte Pittman (@montepittman) January 20, 2020