Metallica
In late 1981, a Danish drummer named Lars Ulrich placed an advertisement in The Recycler newspaper. The ad read "Drummer looking for other metal musicians to jam with Tygers of Pan Tang, Diamond Head and Iron Maiden." James Hetfield answered the call, followed by Hugh Tanner from Leather Charm. They formed Metallica on the 28th of October 1981, five months after first meeting. Dave Mustaine joined as lead guitarist after answering another ad. He brought expensive equipment that caught their attention. Ron McGovney became the bassist for their first gig at Radio City in Anaheim during March 1982. The band played as a five-piece at their fourth show in Costa Mesa in April 1982. Brad Parker did not last long as a guitarist. Hetfield took over guitar duties live for the fifth gig in May 1982. Metal Massacre I released the 14th of June 1982 listed the band incorrectly as "Mettalica". This error angered the group. Jonathan Zazula brokered a deal with Megaforce Records after other labels showed no interest. The debut album Kill 'Em All came out under pressure from label conflicts. It peaked at number 155 on the Billboard 200 in 1986.
Metallica recorded Ride the Lightning at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen between February and March 1984. The album reached number 100 on the Billboard 200 when it released the 27th of July 1984. A French press mistakenly printed green covers which collectors now prize. Elektra Records signed them after Michael Alago and Cliff Burnstein saw a September 1984 concert. Master of Puppets arrived the 3rd of March 1986 after recording sessions from September to December 1985. Steve Huey called it the band's greatest achievement. The record spent 72 weeks on charts and earned six times Platinum certification by 2003. Hetfield broke his wrist skateboarding during the Damage Inc tour but kept performing vocals while John Marshall played rhythm guitar. They supported Ozzy Osbourne across America that year. A French printing error created collector items for Ride the Lightning. The band played 70,000 people at Donington Park England the 17th of August 1985. Their largest Oakland show drew 60,000 fans. These performances cemented their status as thrash metal pioneers alongside Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer.
On the 27th of September 1986, near Dörarp Sweden, a bus driver lost control causing Metallica's tour bus to overturn. Burton won a card draw for Hammett's bunk and slept there. He died pinned under the vehicle while Ulrich, Hammett, and Hetfield survived unharmed. Hetfield recalled seeing legs sticking out and wanting to kill the driver. Roughly 40 people auditioned including Les Claypool from Primus and Troy Gregory from Prong. Jason Newsted joined after learning the entire setlist. His first live performance happened at Country Club in Reseda California. The band tricked him into eating wasabi during his initiation. Newsted left the 17th of January 2001 citing private reasons and physical damage from years of playing. Robert Trujillo replaced him after three months of auditions. Trujillo came from Suicidal Tendencies and Ozzy Osbourne's band. He performed with them before joining permanently. Cliff Burton's death left the future uncertain but the remaining members decided to carry on with family blessing. A video titled Cliff 'Em All commemorated his three-year tenure released in 1987.
Metallica entered One On One Recording studio North Hollywood October 1990. Bob Rock produced what became known as The Black Album costing US$1 million. It debuted number one in ten countries selling 650,000 units first week. The record sold more than 16 million copies in United States making it best-selling album SoundScan era. Hetfield suffered second and third-degree burns the 8th of August 1992 walking into pyrotechnics during Fade To Black. Skin bubbled like Toxic Avenger according to Newsted. Marshall replaced Hetfield guitar duties for remainder tour though Hetfield sang. Load released 1996 featured cover art Blood And Semen III by Andres Serrano using blood mixed with semen between plexiglass sheets. Reload followed December 1997 with urine mixture artwork also by Serrano. Both albums debuted number one on Billboard charts. Fans polarized over style changes including haircuts and new logo. Hetfield admitted songs initially seemed average quality before polishing them. They headlined Lollapalooza mid-1996 marking shift toward alternative rock influences. The band's musical direction shifted dramatically from thrash roots to mainstream hard rock appeal.
Metallica discovered demo song I Disappear leaking online April 21 and 22, 1999. Files appeared on Napster peer-to-peer network alongside entire catalogue available freely. Ulrich filed lawsuit U.S. District Court Central District California alleging copyright infringement and RICO violations. Federal Judge Marilyn Hall Patel ordered site filter within 72 hours or shutdown. Settlement reached when Bertelsmann BMG purchased rights $94 million. Napster agreed block users sharing music without artist consent. the 3rd of June 2002 Napster filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. the 3rd of September 2002 judge blocked sale forcing liquidation under Chapter 7 laws. At 2000 MTV Video Music Awards Ulrich skit criticized file sharing concept. He walked in asking Marlon Wayans explanation for borrowing things not yours. Road crew confiscated belongings leaving him nearly naked empty room. Shawn Fanning responded wearing shirt reading "I borrowed this shirt from friend." Ulrich later booed introducing Blink-182 final act. This legal battle reshaped industry practices regarding digital distribution forever.
Filmmakers Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky began filming Metallica recording process April 2001. Over two years they captured more than 1,000 hours footage. Hetfield entered rehab the 19th of July 2001 treating alcoholism and other addictions. Recording plans halted until the 4th of December 2001 when he left facility. Studio work resumed the 12th of April 2002 limiting four-hour daily sessions noon to 4 pm. Newsted felt hiring therapist lame weak decision during Some Kind Of Monster documentary premiere Sundance January 2004. St. Anger released June 2003 debuted number one Billboard 200 drawing mixed reactions. Critics noted steely snare drum absence guitar solos received particular criticism. Blender called it grimiest Bob Rock production while Pitchfork described utter mess. Title track won Grammy Best Metal Performance 2004 used WWE SummerSlam theme song. Producer Bob Rock played bass throughout St. Anger recording period live shows too. Trujillo chosen permanent replacement after three months auditions including Pepper Keenan Jeordie White Scott Reeder Eric Avery Danny Lohner Chris Wyse among others.
Death Magnetic released the 12th of September 2008 debuting number one selling 490,000 units first week. Band became first five consecutive studio albums debut number one history Billboard 200. Album remained top spot three weeks becoming fastest selling 2008 Australia record. Death Magnetic certified double platinum the 28th of November 2008 RIAA. World Magnetic Tour ended Melbourne the 21st of November 2010 lasting over two years support. Six Feet Down Under EP released the 12th of November 2010 containing eight songs recorded Oceanic Legs. Hardwired... to Self-Destruct released the 18th of November 2016 via Blackened Recordings independent label. Album debuted number one Billboard 200 continuing streak of chart dominance. S&M2 performances the 9th of October 2019 earned $5.5 million box office biggest global rock event cinema release ever. Second screening announced October 30 due demand. 72 Seasons released the 14th of April 2023 promoting three-and-a-half-year M72 World Tour starting Amsterdam the 27th of April 2023 concluding London the 5th of July 2026. Band sold more than 163 million albums worldwide third-best-selling artist since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking sales 1991.
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Common questions
When did Metallica form and who were the founding members?
Metallica formed on the 28th of October 1981 with James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich as founders. Hugh Tanner from Leather Charm joined initially before Dave Mustaine became lead guitarist.
What happened to bassist Cliff Burton during the Metallica tour in Sweden?
Cliff Burton died when a bus driver lost control near Dörarp Sweden on the 27th of September 1986 causing the vehicle to overturn. He was pinned under the bus while Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and James Hetfield survived unharmed.
How much money did Metallica make from The Black Album sales in the United States?
The Black Album sold more than 16 million copies in the United States making it the best-selling album of the SoundScan era. It debuted number one in ten countries selling 650,000 units in its first week.
Why did Napster file for bankruptcy after suing Metallica over copyright infringement?
Napster filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on the 3rd of June 2002 after a judge blocked its sale forcing liquidation under Chapter 7 laws. Federal Judge Marilyn Hall Patel ordered the site to filter content or shut down following Metallica's lawsuit.
When was St. Anger released and what were critics' reactions to the recording process?
St. Anger released in June 2003 debuted number one on the Billboard 200 but drew mixed reactions from critics. Blender called it grimiest Bob Rock production while Pitchfork described it as an utter mess due to the absence of guitar solos and steely snare drum sound.