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The thrash metal bands who deserved to make it – but didn’t
For every success story like Metallica from the ‘80s metal movement, there are countless bands who didn’t make it. Some of them never gave up
How James Hetfield wrangled Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax for metal's biggest reunion
James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett explain the origins of the Big 4 shows – which united Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax on one historic bill
Jason Newsted explains how addiction struggles led to his Metallica departure
The bassist says he was a “horrible addict” and needed to leave the band for his own sake
Dave Mustaine reflects on the overarching influence he had on the guitarists of the Big Four of thrash metal
Mustaine makes a compelling argument that he directly inspired the likes of Kerry King and Scott Ian
Pepper Keenan got his first guitar after a tragic accident
The Down and Corrosion of Conformity guitarist has looked back at the unlikely origins of his career in rock
Pepper Keenan recalls the moment he knew he’d failed his audition to be Metallica’s bassist
Keenan was one of many hopefuls to try out for the Metallica gig as James Hetfield and co looked to find Jason Newsted's replacement
Les Claypool looks back on his disastrous Metallica audition
Following the death of the sorely missed Cliff Burton, James Hetfield and co. auditioned the bassist of the then-emerging band Primus
Seattle rock guitarist on touring with Metallica and Aerosmith in the early ’90s
The success of their debut album soon found Peter Klett on the road with two massive bands
Metallica has rolled out something special to help celebrate 50 years of EMG
Updated sets for James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo will only be available in 2026
Billy Corgan on what drives guitar heroes to change their tone – and how it led him to package his sound in a pedal
The Smashing Pumpkins guitar icon reflects on a tonal journey four decades in the making, what pushes him to make signature gear like the new Laney Supergrace affordable, and why he’s the most excited he’s been to make a guitar album in 25 years
