Behind the inside story of Metallica’s rise to success: ‘We didn’t even have time to eat’

In a recent interview with A.D. Rowntree of KSHE 95 radio station, METALLICA’s legendary guitarist, Kirk Hammett, delved into the band’s remarkable journey, stretching back four decades from the depths of the metal underground to becoming stadium-filling icons. With unwavering passion and commitment, Kirk shared (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “When I look back, our motivation was nothing short of relentless. Every single moment of the day, our focus was on crafting the best music. Whether we were composing, performing, recording, or rehearsing, we always strived for musical perfection. We meticulously curated the finest riffs and melodies, discarding anything that didn’t meet our exacting standards. 

We embarked on extensive tours, reinvested heavily in the band, and made numerous personal sacrifices, all in the name of serving the music and our dedicated fans. For years, it felt like a never-ending grind, but eventually, it all started to pay off. That’s when the realization dawned on us: maybe we were making a difference in the world of music and culture. It’s difficult to see that when you’re starting out; you almost have to be a bit delusional to believe it.”

METALLICA’s drummer, Lars Ulrich, also expressed his amazement at the band’s ability to fill stadiums globally, even as they reach the age of 60. “It’s mind-boggling,” he admitted to the Los Angeles Times. “A few of us have entered our 60s, and a couple more are not far behind. As you age, you become more appreciative, and I find it hard to believe that our music still connects with people at this level.”

When asked about the secret to his enduring partnership with METALLICA’s frontman, James Hetfield, since their inception in 1981, Ulrich responded, “Our love for each other and our shared passion for METALLICA are what keep us going. James is the longest relationship I’ve ever had, aside from a few family members in Denmark. When I look at him, I get emotional thinking about the fact that we’re still out here, performing alongside Kirk and Rob Trujillo. We recently had two incredible shows at SoFi Stadium in L.A., which I believe are the biggest shows we’ve ever played in L.A., just 15 miles from where we started in Norwalk. It’s quite surreal that our music still resonates with fans on this level, especially after the pandemic, lockdown, and the uncertainty that came with that time.”

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Lars emphasized that success and wealth have not distanced him from his rebellious, young rocker self. “In fact,” he asserted, “I feel like an older version of the awkward, solitary kid I always was. People may say, ‘Look at how successful you are,’ but success hasn’t changed me. For better or worse, you carry your formative years with you, and as you age, you become more aware of the darkness around you.”

Reflecting on METALLICA’s longevity, Lars mused, “If you examine your peers, many have faded away. Most bands are in their 20s, some in their 30s, and fewer in their 40s. By the time you reach your 50s, 60s, or 70s, only a handful remain, as people often can’t stand being in the same room. But us? There’s still plenty of fuel in the tank.”

METALLICA’s “M72” tour, which commenced in Amsterdam in late April, showcases a bold, new in-the-round stage design, relocating the iconic METALLICA Snake Pit to center stage.