By Kreig Marks, June 2025

​

​

TRR: If your bass had a Tinder bio, what would it say?

 

Robert: “Thicc. Loud. Slappable. Not looking for a pick. Swipe right if you like deep conversations—like, subwoofer deep.”

 

TRR:  Be honest: how many strings do you really need to embarrass a guitarist?

 

Robert: One. Just one. But I’ll use four, you know, for dramatic effect—and to make the guitarists sweat a little.

 

TRR:  Do your fingers have names? They’ve certainly earned it.

 

Robert: Ha!  Did you just think of this?  Man, I don't know.  Let me think.  Ok.  Index is “Thunder,” middle is “Boom,” ring is “Whiplash,” and pinky is “The Intern.” He’s still learning.

 

TRR:  What’s your go-to pre-show ritual? And no, "stretching" is not a rockstar answer.

 

Robert: I run in circles backstage, chug coconut water like it’s whiskey, and summon Cliff Burton’s ghost for moral support. He usually gives me a thumbs up... or a ghostly shrug.

 

TRR:  If you weren’t in Metallica, what would you be doing?

 

Robert: Professional skateboarder or bass-playing ninja monk. Either way, I’d still have long hair and a questionable diet.

 

TRR:  What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever been asked to sign?

 

Robert: Someone’s prosthetic leg. Which wouldn’t be that weird—except it was detached... and they were still running around without it like it was a Tuesday.

 

TRR:  Is your bass ever jealous of the drums?

 

Robert: Nah. The drums get hit. I get stroked. Who’s really winning here?

 

TRR:  What’s harder: playing “Orion” live or keeping a straight face when Lars says he’s a “tight drummer”?

 

Robert: Honestly? A poker face around Lars is the true test of musicianship. “Orion” just hurts your soul in a good way.

 

TRR:  If Metallica were a family, who’s who?

 

Robert: James is the strict dad with a flamethrower. Lars is the younger brother with the car keys and zero chill. Kirk is the artsy cousin who brings crystals to dinner. I’m the cool uncle with the bass, snacks, and solid advice.

 

TRR:  Which Metallica song secretly makes you feel like a superhero on stage?

 

Robert: “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Those first notes feel like I’m walking in slow-mo through a battlefield wearing armor made of riffs.

 

TRR:  What’s your guilty pleasure music-wise? And don’t say you don’t have one—we all know you’ve cried to Adele.

 

Robert: I won’t deny Adele’s power, man. But my real soft spot? Old-school funk. Give me some Earth, Wind & Fire and I’ll groove like it’s prom night in ‘77.

 

TRR:  Last one: if your bass could talk, what would it say after a Metallica show?

 

Robert: “Oof!  That was intense. Same time tomorrow? And maybe... fewer windmill headbangs?”