Jason left the band in 2001. After leaving the band, he joined the Canadian band Voivod, .

The latest news is that he and Tommy Lee (M?tley Crüe), Gilby Clarke (Guns Former N' Roses guitarist) formed a band called Supernova. The band found its lead singer through a reality TV show "Rock Star" and released an album in November 2006. However, sales results were very disappointing.

The statement issued at the time is as follows:

In a joint statement between Newsted and Metallica on January 17, Newsted hinted that the hard work and exhaustion caused by the band's constant touring in the past few years have In a way it prompted him to leave the band.

"Due to personal reasons and the physical toll that years of playing the music I love have taken on me, I must leave the band," Newsted wrote in a statement. "This has been a difficult decision in my life, but it is one for my family, myself, and Metallica's continued future. I give my love, my gratitude, and my faithful blessings to my brothers: James, Lars and Kirk, and the other Metallica members, and all the friends and fans who have made these years unforgettable."

"Being apart from Jason at this time, our relationship is now fuller than ever. With more love, more respect, and more understanding, James, Kirk and I are looking forward to opening up a new chapter for Metallica with Jason's inspiration," drummer Lars Ulrich said in a statement.

“It’s motivating to perform with someone who is so passionate about music and drives each of us and the fans every night on stage. We will always be in touch with him," owner James Hetfield said in a statement.

"Jason was our brother and we will miss him forever," added guitarist Kirk Hammett.

Since joining Metallica in 1986, Newsted has participated in the recording of six albums, including: 1988's And Justice for All, 1991's Metallica, 1996's Load, 1997's Re-Load, 1998 Garage, Inc. in 1999 and S&M in 1999.