Metallica

Latest about Metallica

James Hetfield (left) and Kirk Hemmett perform onstage with Metallica at the Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates, Illinois on July 13, 1986
The story of Metallica's meteoric rise – as told by the people who were there

By Richard Bienstock Published

The story of Metallica's meteoric rise – as told by the people who were there, including Dave Mustaine, Scott Ian, Kerry King, Gary Holt, and, of course, Metallica themselves

Bands
James Hetfield playing his 'So What' Gibson Explorer, and Cesar Gueikian working on CEO2
“Reveal coming soon”: At long lost, is Gibson finally working on James Hetfield signature guitars?

By Matt Owen Published

The Metallica frontman is poised to receive a Gibson Custom Shop creation that pays homage to his famed ‘So What’ 1984 Explorer. Could signature guitars be next?

Electric Guitars
Singer and guitarist James Hetfield of the heavy metal quartet Metallica performs onstage in circa 1985.
James Hetfield credits Metallica’s original bassist with expanding the band’s horizons

By Bryan Beller Published

Cliff Burton’s breakneck metal riff laid down the gauntlet on thrash metal classic Battery

Bassists
Kirk Hammett performs during the 2024 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song presentation to Elton John and Bernie Taupin by the Library of Congress at DAR Constitution Hall on March 20, 2024 in Washington, DC
How Kirk Hammett ended up in possession of the legendary ‘Greeny’ Les Paul – and why he had no interest in it at first

By Matt Owen Published

The Metallica guitarist never intended to buy Peter Green and Gary Moore's iconic single-cut – but changed his mind once he finally got his hands on it

Guitarists
Slayer, L-R Jeff Hanneman,Tom Araya and Kerry King performing at Roseland Ballroom, New York 17 February 1995
How Rick Rubin shaped the sound of Slayer’s first album by ignoring heavy metal norms

By Matt Owen Published

The 1986 record was the first metal album Rubin produced – and he singled out one of the genre's biggest names when highlighting what he thought shouldn't be done in the studio

Producers & Engineers
Jane's Addiction bassist Eric Avery performs at The Pearl concert theater at the Palms Casino Resort May 18, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The band, touring with all four original members for the first time since 1991, released the four-disc box set, "A Cabinet of Curiosities" in April.
“Flea said I might get the gig”: Jane’s Addiction bassist Eric Avery recalls his 2003 audition for Metallica

By Brian Fox Published

After surviving Jane’s Addiction and touring with Alanis Morissette, Eric Avery was granted an audition with metal giants Metallica

Bassists
James Hetfield performs onstage with Metallica at Downing Stadium in Randall's Island, New York City, in 1996
James Hetfield reflects on the anxieties he experienced after stepping away from the guitar for too long

By Jackson Maxwell Published

Speaking to GW in 1996, the always-candid Hetfield recounted how Metallica's post-Black Album break left him “vegging”, and out of practice

Guitarists
Kirk Hammett shreds his ESP Mummy onstage in Vienna, Austria
Kirk Hammett on why bad solos are dying – and dealing with armchair guitar critics

By Jonathan Horsley Published

Towards the end of 2023, we caught up with Metallica's affable lead guitarist to take stock of one of the greatest years in the Bay Area metal behemoth's history, and to talk guitars, songwriting and gear

Guitarists
Maya Neelakantan playing a Gibson Flying V on stage, with a drummer in the background
11-year-old metal guitarist nails Master of Puppets on America’s Got Talent – with Dave Mustaine’s signature model

By Janelle Borg Published

Maya Neelakantan had previously covered Papa Roach's Last Resort on AGT and gone viral for her Tool covers

Guitarists
Kirk Hammett of Metallica performs on stage at Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano on July 14, 2024 in Madrid, Spain
Metallica are currently touring with 64 guitars – and 36 need to be ready to go at any given moment

By Phil Weller Published

The huge arsenal of guitars and basses is part of a mammoth production that includes 6,000 guitar picks that are needed to make each night a success

Guitarists
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