Metallica

Genre:
Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal

Members:
James Hetfield (Vocals and Guitars)
Kirk Hammett (Lead Guitar)
Lars Ulrich (Drums)
Robert Trujillo (Bass)

Notable Songs:
1. Master of Puppets
2. Fuel
3. Nothing Else Matters
4. Seek and Destroy


Introduction:


Formed in 1981 in California, US when Lars Ulrich gave a newspaper advertisement to form a band. Initial line up was: Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Ron McGovney(Bass) and Dave Mustaine(Lead Guitars). Ron McGovney was kicked out because of rift with Dave Mustaine and Dave Mustaine was kicked from the bands because of his rift with James and Lars! Cliff Burton became the new bassist of the band and Kirk Hamett became the new lead Guitarist. Cliff Burton died in a tragic tour bus accident in 1986. Jason Newsted replaced him. He quit the band in 2001 and Robert Trujillo became the new bassist. i.e the current line up.
They have recorded 9 Studio albums and 4 Live albums. Selling over 100 million copies worldwide.


Fun Facts:

• Metallica is part of the Big-4 Thrash Metal bands along Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax.
• They have won 9 grammy awards.
• Kirk Hammett learned playing guitar from Joe Satriani.
• Lars Ulrich's father was a tennis player and wanted him to become the same.
• When Metallica started to play in clubs of San-Fransisco, they were too Punk for Metal lovers and too Metal for Punk lovers. It was a big hurdle for them to create a fan base.
• When Cliff Burton died in 1986 in a tragic tour-bus accident in Sweden, he was just 24. Still, is considered as one of the best bassists ever.
• James Hetfield entered rehab in 2001 because of excessive alcohol and drug addiction. He is sober since then.

Quotes:

• AIDS, oh that shit scares me man. One time and you're dead. - James Hetfield
• I like a woman who got some balls and some strength. Unless she beats me in arm wrestling, it's fine. - James Hetfield
• Regret? That is a fucked up word. - James Hetfield
• We try and come up with alternative to cliches. Sex isn't boring, songs about it are. - Lars Ulrich
• We are the token acts on these award shows - Jason Newsted

My Opinion:

30th October 2011. The date I will not get over in my life. The date I witnessed them LIVE at Palace Grounds, Bangalore. They were energetic, they were fucking loud, they interacted well with the crowd and the crowd of over 40,000 people responded them very well.
About James Hetfield, amazing frontman. Plays well, sings well and presents themselves in an awesome way. One of the finest front man in the history of Metal. Even at the age of 48, the energy he puts on stage is commendable.
About Lars Ulrich, a fine drummer. Every beat is butter-smooth and very clear. Songs like ...and Justice for all, One are indeed his masterpieces. And a monster on stage!
Kirk Hammett, not a great guitarist to be honest. Screws up many riffs on stage. Their founding member Dave Mustaine was indeed a better player and a better musician. Most of the songs of Kill 'em all are his. And Kill 'em all is undoubtedly the best Metallica album yet. So, to sum it up about Kirk, I would say: He is the weak link of Metallica.
About Robert Trujillo: a wild, crazy maniac on stage. Looks like he belongs from Planet of the Apes. Monstrous acts, energetic performances onstage and his mexican accent makes him one of the coolest member of the band. Not as great as Cliff Burton or Jason Newsted when it comes to playing his bass. But he has a charm of his own.

Metallica B'lore gig. 30th October 2011

(L-R): Robert Trujillo, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett