Formed: 1981
From:
San Francisco,
CA,
United States
Last Known Status: Active
Background
Metallica was first formed by Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, and future Megadeth member Dave Mustaine and Ron McGovney. They first played in L.A., but later found themselves at home playing in the San Francisco Bay area. The band later replaced Ron with Cliff Burton and Dave with Kirk Hammet as late as 1983.
On September 27, 1986, on the European leg of the Master of Puppets tour, Cliff Burton was killed in a bus accident in Sweden en route to their next show's location. Tragic as this event was, Metallica continued on and Cliff was replaced by Jason Newsted, who remained part of the band until 2001, when he finally annouced he would leave Metallica because of the damage he had done to his body touring and headbanging for fourteen years.
More than any other band, Metallica and their albums have been the yardstick with which to measure other heavy metal releases. Metallica practically defines "heavy metal" as a sub-genre of metal itself, although their music ranges from NWOBHM to Thrash in their earlier days. However, in the 1990s and beyond 2000, Metallica evolved a more mainstream sound, which helped them become a household name and the seventh biggest selling act in history.
Latest Metallica News
Below is our complete Metallica news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
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Just For Fun
See: Metallica Paying Tribute To Eddie Munson
Metallica are paying tribute to “Master Of Puppets” being featured in the recently premiered season finale of Netflix‘s series ‘Stranger Things‘ season four. All four members of the thrash metal band appear in the below streaming video wearing the ‘Hellfire Club’ - Eddie Munson‘s fictional Dungeons & Dragons club - shirts, playing along to the crucial scene featuring their track in the season finale.
Metallica Comment On ‘Stranger Things’ Involvement
If you were one of the millions to witness the finale of the fourth season of the Netflix hit series ‘Stranger Things‘ this past weekend, you’re already familiar with the metal moments that occurred.
Those who did see the conclusion of the last season could watch the series' character Eddie Munson's (actor Joseph Quinn) guitar battle playing Metallica‘s “Master Of Puppets” against the acolytes of Vecna, the main antagonist from the fourth season of Stranger Things.
Comment Metallica on their involvement: More...
Spirit Adrift Premiere New Single
Spirit Adrift will release their new album "20 Centuries Gone" on August 19th, 2022. The record will feature two original songs, including "Sorcerer's Fate" and "Mass Formation Psychosis" as well as covers of bands like Type O Negative, Pantera, and Metallica.
The album's cover artwork was created by Brian Mercer (Lamb of God, High on Fire, Mastodon), and the music was mixed by Zeuss (Overkill, Crowbar, Municipal Waste).
"20 Centuries Gone" track-listing: More...
Ozzy Osbourne Premieres Title Track To New Album
Ozzy Osbourne‘s latest advance track named “Patient Number 9” has premiered streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below. Guitarist Jeff Beck guests on this single, which also serves as the title track to his new studio full-length. Sony will have the record out on September 09th, 2022.
Ozzy’s thirteenth solo album was once again produced by Andrew Watt. Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo and Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan guest on it as studio session musicians.
Todd McFarlane directed the music video for aforementioned first single, going live on YouTube at 10 am (EDT). McFarlane also oversaw a comic book included with select editions of the album.
Comments Osbourne: More...
Metallica To Hold Two U.S. Stadium Shows
Metal icons Metallica has announced that they will be performing only two stadium shows in the United States this year. These will take place at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, NY, on August 11 and PNC Park, in Pittsburgh, PA, on August 14. Both shows will feature special guests Greta Van Fleet and Ice Nine Kills.
Metallica pre-sale tickets will be available to Legacy Fan Club members at 9 AM, ET and General Fan Club members at 11 AM, ET on Monday, February 28. All pre-sales will end Thursday, March 3 at 10 PM, ET. Tickets for Metallica at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, NY, and PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA, go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 4 at 10 AM, ET at ticketmaster.com.
Get more info on both shows, including Fifth Member pre-sale details and Pittsburgh travel packages, here.
Metallica Guitarist To Release First Solo EP
Did somebody say solo project? You read right! Metallica guitarist, Kirk Hammett, has recorded Portals, a four-song instrumental EP, and will be celebrating Record Store Day with its worldwide release exclusively at your favorite local independent retailer and in the Met Store on Saturday, April 23. Available across digital platforms, on CD, and as an Ocean Blue Vinyl EP (including a download card), you’ll be able to pick up a copy at your friendly local record store that day or place an order on Metallica.com to be delivered to your front door just as soon as the postman can get there.
Says Kirk: "Initially, before I even had the idea for a solo EP, I was inspired by the need to create some sort of soundtrack music to accompany The Kirk Hammett Collection for the first 'It’s Alive' exhibition at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, 2017. I wanted to conceive music to play on a loop in the background as people walked through the exhibit. I sat down one night with a progression, and before I knew it, all the parts were there for 'Maiden And The Monster.'
"The initial concept for Portals started with that one song. Following that, I realized I could create different soundtrack moments. These songs are what I call ‘Audio Cinematic;’ I’m creating sounds and pieces of music for the movies playing in my head. Hopefully they’ll create movies in other people’s heads in a similar fashion." More...
Headline News
Megaforce Co-Founder Jon Zazula Passes Away
Jon Zazula, the co-founder of Megaforce Records and the man credited with helping to launch the careers of such bands as Metallica, Anthrax, Testament and Overkill, has sadly passed away. He follows his wife Marsha, the other Megaforce co-founder, who died on January 10th last year.
Zazula founded Megaforce in 1982, releasing Metallica's debut album, "Kill 'em All" the next year and would sign such other notable bands as Mercyful Fate, Ministry, Mushroomhead, The Black Crowes, Raven and Manowar. His autobiography, "Heavy Tales" was released in 2019.
His daughter Rikki broke the news with the following statement: "The world lost a true legend today… Our Dad lived a life as fast, hard, heavy, powerful, and, impactful as the music he brought to the world. His passion and persistence fueled the careers of arguably the most influential metal bands, and, industry greats of a generation. To us he was simply daddy… Our father and mother were a powerhouse partnership in love, life, and business. Together they believed in the unbelievable, their passion, rebel perspective, and persistence built an empire from a box of vinyl in a flea market - into a multi platinum selling record label, management company, and publishing house. Although we are devastated he is gone, they are finally reunited. And it feels impossible to imagine a world without him in it. For all of us who knew and loved him … by the way… keep it heavy! RIP daddy you will truly be deeply missed, but, never forgotten…your LegaZ will live on forever, not only in us and your grandchildren, but, in every headbanger on this planet for all of eternity!" More...
Headline News
Hellfest 2022 - SOLD OUT -
If you were planning on attending the 2022 version of Hellfest, you better start making other plans. Four-day passes for the added dates sold out within an hour. Single day passes will be available today but are also expected to sell out rapidly. The initial 3 day passes for the event sold out in 2019 pre-pandemic and will honored for the 2022 edition. More...
Just For Fun
Hear: Metallica As Reimagined By King Diamond
In case you ever wondered, how Metallica's "Master Of Puppets" would sound like, if written by King Diamond/Mercyful Fate: Denis Pauna has the answer for you in the below music video and cover version "What if King Diamond wrote Master Of Puppets".
Comments Pauna: More...
Breaking News
Hellfest 2022 Line-up Announced
Hellfest organizers announced that the 2022 edition will take place over a period of ten days (7 days of shows) and will include 350 artists on 6 stages. Tickets for the new added 4 days will go on sale July 7th. More...
See: Metallica Play Live On "The Late Show"
Metallica celebrated this week's 35th anniversary of their 1986 album “Master Of Puppets” with a live performance of its opening track “Battery“, aired on ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert‘.
Comments drummer Lars Ulrich: More...
Headline News
Megaforce Co-Founder Passes Away
Marsha Zazula, the woman who co-founded Megaforce Records with her husband Johnny Zazula, AKA Johnny Z, has sadly passed away the age of sixty eight after a struggle with cancer. Metal Underground sends our heartfelt condolences to Johnny Z and all of Marsha Zazula's family and friends.
The Zazulas co-founded Megaforce in 1983 and released Metallica's debut album, "Kill 'em All" that same year. The couple are also credited with launching the careers of such bands as Anthrax, Overkill and Exciter among several other thrash icons.
Several bands have posted short statements of condolence, such as Metallica, who wrote:
"Rest In Peace, Marsha. Thank you for everything.
Much love to Jonny Z & the Zazula family."
Exodus guitarist Gary Holt: "All of Exodus are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Marsha Zazula, one half of Megaforce records and legends to the entire early trash scene. We’ve known each other since the beginning and our most sincere condolences go out to Jon and the entire Megaforce family."
Overkill: "From the entire Overkill family we are saddened by the loss of Marsha Zazula. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jon and the entire Zazula family. Rest in Peace."
See Gibson TV'S Full Icons Episode: Kirk Hammett
In the latest episode of “Icons”, Gibson TV sits down with one of the most influential metal guitarists of all time, Kirk Hammett. Since 1983, Kirk Hammett has been the lead guitarist and a contributing songwriter for thrash metal legends Metallica. Prior to joining the group, Hammett formed Exodus during the early years of the San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal movement.
The Modern Age Slavery Premiere Metallica Cover
Italy's The Modern Age Slavery premiere a new cover of Metallica’s “Hardwired”. Check it out below.
Metallica Cancels Sonic Temple and LTL Shows
American metal powerhouse Metallica has announced that they have decided to pull out of their headlining slots at the Sonic Temple and Louder Than Life festivals this year, owing to frontman James Hetfield's ongoing rehab process. Taking their places will be Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tool respectively. A statement from Hetfield reads as follows:
"Dear Metallica Family,
"It pains me to write this, but I have to let all of you know that I cannot make it to Sonic Temple in Columbus and Louder Than Life in Louisville this year. As part of my continuing effort to get and stay healthy, I have critical recovery events on those weekends that cannot be moved. I apologize to all of our fans who have bought tickets for these festivals. We are working with the festival promoters to provide for refunds or exchanges.
"My intent with this statement is saying “I apologize” to each one of you. The reality is that I have not prioritized my health in the past year of touring and I now know that my mental health comes first. That might sound like a no-brainer for most of you but I didn’t want to let the Metallica team/family down and, I alone completely compromised myself.
"Looking on the brighter side, my therapy is going well. It was absolutely necessary for me to look after my mental, physical, and spiritual health.
"I want to stress that the band will play all other announced 2020 shows.
"I am looking forward to getting back to playing and seeing all our great South American fans in April. And, of course, playing the Epicenter in Charlotte, Welcome To Rockville, in Daytona and Aftershock Festival in Sacramento. We will still play two unique sets at each of these festivals.
"Beyond 2020, I am optimistic about the blessings I have been given and what the future brings. I appreciate all the great prayers and support from everyone since I went into rehab last September. Like the moth into the flame, being human in this career has its huge challenges and can be difficult. Your understanding helps the healing.
"- James"
Headline News
Metallica Frontman Enters Rehab
Heavy metal legends Metallica has announced that they have been forced to cancel their upcoming shows in Australia and New Zealand, due to frontman James Hetfield checking himself into rehab for an unspecified addiction. A message from the band reads as follows:
"We are truly sorry to inform our fans and friends that we must postpone our upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand.
"As most of you probably know, our brother James has been struggling with addiction on and off for many years. He has now, unfortunately, had to re-enter a treatment program to work on his recovery again.
"We fully intend to make our way to your part of the world as soon as health and schedule permit. We’ll let you know as soon as we can. Once again, we are devastated that we have inconvenienced so many of you, especially our most loyal fans who travel great distances to experience our shows. We appreciate your understanding and support for James and, as always, thank you for being a part of our Metallica family.
"All tickets purchased to the shows in Australia and New Zealand, including Enhanced Experiences and Black Tickets, will be fully refunded. More details on how to obtain your refund are below." More...
See: Trailer For New Bay Area Thrash Documentary
A new trailer for the forthcoming Bay Area thrash metal documentary, ‘Murder In The Front Row: The San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Story ‘ can be streamed below. Directed by Adam Dubin, the movie will receive its premiere at the AMC Kabuki 8 in San Francisco, CA on April 20th. Metal Allegiance will also be performing a special set at the Fillmore in San Francisco that night to celebrate the film’s premiere with Gary Holt (Exodus/Slayer) among the initial special guests to be announced.
Metallica & Slipknot Announce Australian/NZ Tour
Metallica and Slipknot will be out together touring Australia and New Zealand this October with the below dates booked:
10/17 Perth, AUS – Optus Stadium
10/20 Adelaide, AUS – Adelaide Oval
10/22 Melbourne, AUS – Marvel Stadium
10/26 Sydney, AUS – ANZ Stadium
10/29 Brisbane, AUS – QSAC
10/31 Auckland, NZ – Mt. Smart Stadium
Tickets for the tour will go on sale on March 18th.
Says Metallica of the trek: More...
Just For Fun
Viral Clip: Woman Loves ‘Metallic’ Line Of Shirts
Well you have to see it to believe it...
Ok this is why high street shops need to stop selling band t shirts immediately pic.twitter.com/Igxg4MGctX
— sophie (@sophxthompson) January 17, 2017
Metallica Post 2014 "…And Justice For " Live Video
Metallica share the below live footage of “…And Justice For All” filmed during an appearance at the ‘Heavy MTL Festival‘ at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal, QC back on August 09th, 2014. The group have been highlighting past live performances of all the songs from their “…And Justice For All“ album leading up to its deluxe reissue through the band’s own Blackened Recordings label.