Biography of Metallica

Out of a love of British heavy metal and hard rock from the early '70s, guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich formed Metallica in late 1981 with guitarist Lloyd Grant. For a long time there was no bass player, but when Grant left and was replaced by guitarist David Mustaine, bassist Ron McGovney also joined the group. In 1982, Mustaine, Hetfield, and Ulrich moved to San Francisco to work with bassist Cliff Burton. Sometimes playing his bass like a guitar, Burton's style was unique.As time went on, they replaced Mustaine with Kirk Hammet (of Exodus), and went to New York to record their debut album in late 1983. Successful tours across the US helped Metallica get their name and music to the masses, and in 1984 they recorded a second album. Just as that album was selling well, Metallica signed with Elektra, and the album was re-pressed on that label. Music magazines started calling this band someone to look out for.In early 1986, Metallica released Master of Puppets, their best album to date. Soon they were the next big thing and having the time of their lives. Unfortunately, on a tour in Sweden, their tour bus slid off the road and bassist Cliff Burton was killed. Metallica found bassist Jason Newsted, who left his band in Arizona to join them. This lineup has held to this day, and they have become one of the biggest bands in heavy metal -- period. Their influence on thrash-metal bands around the world is too huge to ignore. ~ John Book