a bit about my fav band in the world
they just rock
Metallica's history
Metallica is undoubtedly the most famous Heavy Metal band in the world. Metallica was founded in 1981/82 by Lars Ulrich (the drummer) together with James Hetfield. Lars is still the most outspoken member of the band.
Initially the band included Lloyd Grant on lead guitar and Ron McGovney on Bass guitar. Ron was soon replaced by Cliff Burton, who unfortunately died in a bus crash in 1986. The other Metallica members survived the crash.
Another popular early member of Metallica, Dave Mustaine (1982/83), has reportedly been forced out of the band because of a serious drinking problem.
Current band members
Lars Ulrich
Lars Ulrich is the drummer of the band and the original founder.
James Hetfield
James Hetfield was originally the rythm guitarist and vocalist of Metallica, but took over as Bass guitarist after the untimely death of Cliff Burton.
Kirk Hammet
Kirk joined Metallica in 1984, and is by many considered to be the best Heavy Metal guitarist in the world.
Robert Trujillo
The new bass guitarist of Metallica.
Other Ex band members
Jason Newsted
Jason has now left Metallica and we are waiting to hear on his replacement.
Metallica and Lars Ulrich
Lars Ulrich is the drummer of the Metallica and, with James Hetfield, the original founder. Lars still seems to be the one in control of Metallica, and his stance on the copyright of Metallica's songs on the Internet has made him somewhat infamous.
Born on December 26, 1963 in Denmark, Lars family moved to California in the early 80's, where Metallica's first stable line-up with Cliff Burton and Dave Mustain started it's road to fame.
More on Lars Ulrich and Metallica here
James Hetfield and Metallica
James Hetfield has been a member of Metallica since it was founded in 1981/82 by Lars Ulrich.
Born on August 3rd, 1963 in Los Angeles, James was originally the rythm guitarist and vocalist of Metallica, but took over as Bass guitarist after the untimely death of Cliff Burton.
James has been the main song writer in Metallica and has been responsible for many of the lyrics as well as many of the riffs that made Metallica famous
Kirk Hammet and Metallica
Kirk seems to be the most popular of the current members of Metallica. He joined Metallica in 1984, and is by many considered to be the best Heavy Metal guitarist in the world. You can find an interview with Kirk Hammet, made in 1996 for Swedish student radio here.
Robert Trujillo and Metallica
Robert Trujillo was born in Santa Monica (1964) and is best known for his powerful bass sound in Ozzy Osbourne's band, and his membership of Suicidal Tendencies and Infectious Grooves. In 2003 Robert joined Metallica, which had been reduced to three members after Jason Newsted decided to quit in 2001,
Lloyd Grant and Metallica
Initially the band included Lloyd Grant on lead guitar and Ron McGovney on Bass guitar. Lloyd only played on Metallica's first demo "Hit the Lights", as did Dave Mustaine who only lasted a year longer in the initial line-up of Metallica.
Ron McGovney and Metallica
Initially Metallica included two of James Hetfield's buddies, Lloyd Grant on lead guitar and Ron McGovney on bass guitar. Lloyd only played on their first demo and Ron also was with Metallica for less than a year. He was replaced in 1982 by the brilliant Cliff Burton, who unfortunately died in a bus crash in 1986.
Cliff Burton and Metallica
Clifford Lee Burton was born on February 10th 1962. Because of his fantastic on stage presence, and his brilliant bass solos, Lars and James wanted Cliff to replace Ron McGovney on bass guitar. Cliff, however, initially was reluctant to join as he did not want to leave the San Francisco Bay Area, so in the end Metallica moved to San Francisco.
From 1982 till 1986 Cliff contributed as lead bass player to Metallica's now famous Heavy Metal sound. Cliff brilliant career was unfortunately cut short, when he died in a bus crash in September 1986. The other Metallica members survived the crash. Cliff was succeeded by Jason Newsted.
Dave Mustaine and Metallica
David Scott Mustaine was born on September 13, 1961, in La Mesa, California.
Dave was a popular early member of Metallica, but was reportedly forced out of the band when Metallica moved to New York in 1983, because of a serious drinking problem.
After his short stint in Metallica, Dave met bassist David Ellefson and started his own famous heavy metal band Megadeth.
Jason Newsted and Metallica
Jason Curtis Newsted was born on March 4, 1963 in Battle Creek, Michigan. Jason joined Metallica from Flotsam And Jetsam after the tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton in 1986.
In Januari 2001 Jason decided to quit Metallica and was finally replaced by Robert Trujillo in 2003.