Cliff 'em All is a concert video released as a tribute to Metallica's late bassist Cliff Burton. Burton was killed in a tour bus accident on September 27, 1986, near Ljungby, Sweden during the European leg of their Master of Puppets tour.
The video is a retrospective on the 3½ years that Cliff Burton was in Metallica, presented as a collection of bootleg footage shot by fans, some professional filming and TV shots that were never used and some of his best bass solos, personal photos and live concerts. Photos and narrations by the band (Ulrich, Hetfield and Hammett drinking beer) are placed between songs which focus on Burton before fading into a title card of a performance. The video ends with the melodic interlude of "Orion" as pictures of Burton are shown. Ironically, the credits end before his bass solo.
With this video, the band tries to show the unique personality and style he had. While ostensibly the film focuses on Burton, it also has given fans a rare glimpse of Metallica's less-documented early career. This contrasts sharply with the 'Metallica business' represented in the feature film Some Kind of Monster.
Footage on this release includes: Detroit, April 4 1986 - "supporting Ozzy" Shot from the left of the stage. VG with closeups.
Long Island, April 28 1986 - "still drunk on Ozzy tour" Shot from ground level above heads, VG with closeups
The Stone, San Francisco, March 19 1983 - "Cliff's second gig" Shot just above ground level, VG with closeups
Germany, September 14 1985 - "Metal Hammer Fest headlining with Venom, Nazareth, beer! Professionally shot video
Denmark, July 6 1986 - "Roskilde Festival with Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello and Big Country" Shot from ground level, with closeups
Oakland, August 31 1985 - "Day on the Green"
Chicago, August 12 1983 - "Supporting Raven on the 'Kill Em All For One' tour"
Cliff 'em All is available on DVD and VHS.
