Metallica released their third studio album, 'Master of Puppets' today in 1986. It was their first major label release, released by Elektra Records. It received praise from lots of critics upon its release. It had a 72 week run on the Billboard 200 chart, peaking at #29. It was their first album to be certified Gold.

In March 1986 the band started their Damage Inc. tour. Most of March to August was spent opening for Ozzy Osbourne. When Ozzy toured Japan, Metallica did a few US headlining shows with Armored Saint supporting.

They started a European tour in September with Anthrax supporting. Supposedly, the band was set to fire drummer Lars Ulrich at the end of the tour. However in late September, en route to Copenhagen from Sweden, their bus crashed, killing bassist Cliff Burton.

Less than 2 months later they would play their first show with new bassist Jason Newsted, formerly of Flotsam & Jetsam.