Robert Trujillo

Robert Trujillo (Spanish pronunciation: [roˈβeɾto tɾuˈxijo]) (born Roberto Agustín Trujillo on October 23, 1964[1]) is a bassist who played with Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, Black Label Society, Jerry Cantrell, and Ozzy Osbourne's band before joining Metallica in 2003.
Contents[hide]
1 Biography
1.1 Early life
1.2 Career
1.3 Personal life
2 Technique
3 Equipment
4 Discography
5 References
//

[edit] Biography

[edit] Early life
Trujillo was born on October 23, 1964 and grew up in Culver City, California. His mother is from León, Guanajuato, México. Trujillo attended Culver City High School.

[edit] Career
He played in a few local bands before joining Suicidal Tendencies (in 1989) and fellow Culver City native, Rocky George, the guitarist for the band at the time. Trujillo replaced the band's second bassist Bob Heathcote. He is responsible for adding in funk influences to the band seen prominently on albums Lights...Camera...Revolution! and especially on The Art of Rebellion. He eventually turned bandmate Mike Muir on to funk music, and the two formed Infectious Grooves to play more funk oriented music.
He was a member of Ozzy Osbourne's band for a number of years starting in the late 90s. Trujillo was the subject of controversy for re-recording Bob Daisley's bass tracks for reissued versions of Osbourne's albums Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman due to Daisley's claim of not receiving proper royalties. (Similarly, Osbourne's drummer Mike Bordin re-recorded drum parts originally done by Lee Kerslake, who was also involved in the royalty dispute.) This achieved additional notoriety for giving no notice to the buying public on the outside of the CD that they were not purchasing an original recording.
Robert Trujillo became Metallica's bassist on February 24, 2003 after auditioning for the band and fitting in with fellow band members James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Kirk Hammett. Trujillo received one million dollars from the band as an advance on the percentage he would earn by being in Metallica. His audition and hiring appear in the documentary film Some Kind of Monster. His debut studio album with Metallica, Death Magnetic, was released on September 12, 2008.
Also in 2003, Trujillo was seen playing an upright bass in the Nickel Creek music video, "Smoothie" Song. However, he did not play bass for the band during the song's recording.

[edit] Personal life
Robert is married and has two children.[2]. Chloe did a pyrography (woodburning) design of the Aztec Calendar for him on his bass[3][4][5]. Years later when Rob heard Chloe had moved to Los Angeles, he called her from a pay phone while on a surfing trip in Tahiti in a determined effort to reconnect[6]. They have been together for the past seven years and are now married. His wife has her own site called "Chloe in art"[7].

[edit] Technique
Trujillo is primarily, but not exclusively, a fingerstyle player. He has been known to play with a pick for some of his work, primarily recordings and live playing with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society. In order to achieve the attack and speed of pickstyle playing with his fingers, he has developed a fingerstyle technique which involves using both plucking fingers in a down-and-up motion, or sometimes using three fingers to attack the strings instead of the more usual two. It should be noted that Trujillo's predecessor in Metallica, Jason Newsted, was almost exclusively a pickstyle player (he used his fingers for a part of "One" and on softer songs or ones that required a fretless bass, such as Nothing Else Matters), while Cliff Burton, Newsted's predecessor and bassist on Metallica's first three albums, played fingerstyle exclusively.
Trujillo is also a very skilled slap bass player, as ably demonstrated in his work for Suicidal Tendencies and Infectious Grooves, where he used the technique extensively. At many of the shows during Metallica's 2004 Madly in Anger with the World Tour, Trujillo would often play an extended bass solo (dubbed "Jungle essence") in which he utilized many of his different playing techniques and various effects.
In a Mission: Metallica video, it is shown that Trujillo has experience in Flamenco guitar playing. [8]

[edit] Equipment
With Metallica, he is most often seen playing Fernandes Guitars Gravity 5-string basses, particularly a model with a silver finish, blue flame decals, and EMG pickups. He also has a signature bass model, the Sonus RT, manufactured by Zon Guitars. Prior to Metallica, he was most often seen playing Tobias, ESP and Musicman basses (all 5-strings), as well as a Fender Precision Bass with Black Label Society and Ozzy Osbourne. Trujillo has also recently been seen in concert playing a Yamaha TRB5-P2 5-string bass, a customized green Rickenbacker 4001/4003 4-string bass fitted with EMG pickups, and a classic Fender Precision Bass as well as a Black Warwick Streamer Bass, most probably customized. For amplification, he uses Ampeg amplifiers and cabinets. Also, Trujillo recently collaborated with Jim Dunlop to create his new Icon signature bass strings - these strings are taper-core stainless steel, in gauges 45-130 (5-string). Trujillo uses a Morley Mark Tremonti Wah pedal on songs such as "For Whom the Bell Tolls".
According to an article published recently[9] Trujillo's pedal board consists of an Electro Harmonix Q-Tron, SansAmp Bass Driver DI, Sansamp XXL, Boss OC-2 Octave Pedal, all powered by the Voodoo Lab Pedal Power.

[edit] Discography
Black Label Society
1919 Eternal - 2002
Boozed, Broozed, and Broken-Boned (Live DVD) - 2002
Jerry Cantrell
Degradation Trip - 2002
Degradation Trip Volumes 1 & 2 - 2002
Infectious Grooves
The Plague That Makes Your Booty Move...It's the Infectious Grooves - 1991
Sarsippius' Ark - 1993
Groove Family Cyco - 1994
Mas Borracho - 2000
Suicidal Tendencies
Controlled By Hatred/Feel Like Shit...Déjà Vu - 1989 (credited as "Stymee")
Lights...Camera...Revolution! - 1990
The Art of Rebellion - 1992
Still Cyco After All These Years -1993
Suicidal for Life - 1994
Prime Cuts - 1997
Glenn Tipton
Baptizm of Fire - 1997
Mass Mental
How to Write Love Songs - 1999
Live in Tokyo - 2001
Ozzy Osbourne
Down to Earth - 2001
Blizzard of Ozz reissue - 2002
Diary of a Madman reissue - 2002
Live at Budokan - 2002
Metallica
Death Magnetic - 2008

[edit] References
^ [1] Robert's Profile on Metallica's Official Website
^ Metallica - Robert
^ [2]
^ [3]
^ [4]
^ [5]
^ [6]
^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ktjlVvMYlA
^ Bass Player Magazine - November 2008

Kirk Hammet

Kirk Lee Hammett (born November 18, 1962) is the lead guitarist and a songwriter in the band Metallica and has been a member of the band since 1983. Before joining Metallica he formed and named the band Exodus. In 2003 Hammett was ranked 11th in Rolling Stone's list - The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.[1]
Contents[hide]
1 Biography
1.1 Early life (1962-1980)
1.2 Exodus (1980-1983)
1.3 Metallica (1983-Present)
1.4 Personal life
1.5 Other appearances
2 Equipment
2.1 Guitars
2.2 Amplifiers & Cabinets
2.3 Effects
2.4 Accessories
3 Discography
3.1 Exodus
3.2 Metallica
4 See also
5 References
6 External links
//

[edit] Biography

[edit] Early life (1962-1980)
Born on November 18, 1962 in San Francisco to a Filipina mother (Chefela) and an Irish Merchant Marine father. He grew up in El Sobrante near Richmond, California. He has a younger sister named Tawny.[2] Kirk Hammett attended De Anza High School in Richmond, California.
After picking up a 1978 Fender Stratocaster copy, Hammett attempted to customize his sound with various guitar parts, eventually falling for a 1974 Gibson Flying V. Hammett also took a job at Burger King as a youth before quitting once he saved enough money for his guitar.

[edit] Exodus (1980-1983)
Hammett's musical interests eventually drew him into the fledgling thrash metal genre. In 1980, he formed the group Exodus with vocalist Paul Baloff, guitarist Gary Holt, bassist Geoff Andrews, and drummer Tom Hunting. He played on Exodus' 1982 Demo. Exodus was a crucial early player in the Bay Area thrash movement.

[edit] Metallica (1983-Present)
Hammett was invited to join Metallica following the dismissal of the band's original lead guitarist Dave Mustaine in 1983. This was prior to the release of Kill 'Em All. At the time Hammett was taking private guitar lessons from the now-famous Joe Satriani.
Hammett has written and contributed riffs for Metallica songs since the mid-1980s (particularly in the 1990s during the Load era). One of these riffs, used in "Enter Sandman", was written in a hotel room at 3:15 am, and became one of Metallica's most popular songs. It was the first track and first single on Metallica's self-titled "Black Album" and was ranked 399th on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
The bridge for "Creeping Death" was originally an Exodus riff that Hammett took with him to Metallica.
Hammett is also known for always having his picking hand taped up. During the course of a full tour, due to constantly palm muting and fast picking, the back of his hand takes sizable abuse.[3]
Hammett's playing style is noted for his extensive use of the wah-wah pedal in his solos. Hammett says "The wah-wah is an extension of my personality." He also once said, "They'll have to cut off my leg if they want me to stop using the wah-wah pedal." Hammett's use of the wah-pedal hadn't been featured in recent Metallica solos, but has seen a resurgence in his solos on the newest album, Death Magnetic.
Hammett initially wanted to have guitar solos on Metallica's 2003 album, St. Anger, but drummer Lars Ulrich and producer Bob Rock thought that the solos did not sound right in the songs. He later admitted himself, "We tried to put in solos but they sounded like an afterthought so we left them out".
On April 4, 2009, Kirk, along with remaining Metallica members Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Robert Trujillo, and former bassist Jason Newsted, was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Former bassist Cliff Burton, who died in a bus accident during the Master Of Puppets tour in 1986, was posthumously inducted as well.

[edit] Personal life
Hammett has been married twice. His first marriage to ex-wife Rebecca lasted 3 years, having ended in 1990, during the recording of the Black Album, which consumed the band members' lives for almost an entire year.
Hammett now resides in San Francisco with Lani, his second wife, whom he married in 1998. They have two sons, Angel Ray Keala Hammett (September 29, 2006) and Vincenzo Kainalu Hammett (June 28 2008).
Hammett's interests include surfing, cooking, horses, archaeology, cars, science fiction magazines, collecting skulls of animals such as cats and dogs as seen in Metallica's movie Some Kind of Monster, and collecting horror film memorabilia.
Kirk also commented recently on the T3 gadget website[citation needed] in their audio interview that he was previously addicted to video games, stating that the addiction resulted in the loss of eating, social interaction and guitar practice.

[edit] Other appearances
In 2005, Hammett played guitar on the Carlos Santana track "Trinity".
In 2006, Hammett voiced himself on The Simpsons ("The Mook, the Chef, the Wife and Her Homer"). He also provided various voices on the Adult Swim show Metalocalypse, including a two fingered fan ("The Curse of Dethklok"), The Queen of Denmark ("Happy Dethday"), and a Finnish barkeep ("Dethtroll"). * He also appeared as a guest in an episode of Space Ghost: Coast to Coast titled "Jacksonville" alongside fellow Metallica member James Hetfield.
Hammett played guitar on the track "Satan" with Orbital for The Spawn: The Album soundtrack released in July 1997.
After performing a set with Metallica at Bonnaroo in June 2008, Hammett played one song with My Morning Jacket and a couple songs with the annual Superjam collaboration, which also included Les Claypool and members of Gogol Bordello playing primarily Tom Waits songs.
He also appeared on the "Kichigai" E.P. by punk band Septic Death. He played additional lead guitar on the title track.
He appeared as a guest guitarist on K'Naan's "If Rap Gets Jealous" off of the Troubadour (K'naan album) album. [1]
He is one of the main characters in Guitar Hero: Metallica along with the rest of the current lineup of Metallica.

[edit] Equipment

[edit] Guitars
Hammett, along with rhythm guitarist James Hetfield, have been a major endorsees of ESP Guitars since the 1980s. Hammett was only the second person to have a signature guitar with the company. He is best known for playing his signature model guitars, with EMG pickups and Ernie Ball strings.
In 2007, ESP Guitar Company announced the release of a 20th Anniversary Limited KH-20 Guitar to celebrate 20 years of relationship with Kirk Hammett (based upon the KH-2 guitar with some modification). Only 41 guitars were in production, with the price at $9,999.USD a piece.
In January 2009, ESP also announced the rare release of Hammett's famous "ouija" guitar, which was very limited and for 2009 only. [2]
Kirk Hammett's current tour guitars:
ESP M-II "Zorlac" - This was the starting line for the whole KH series. It features a vertical skull & crossbones as opposed to the horizontal ones featured on today's KH's, and an upside down Jackson Guitars style headstock which is what Hammett originally intended. However, Jackson Guitars threatened law suits if this model was ever sold. As a result, the headstock was changed to the typical ESP style, but flipped upside down. [4] [5]
ESP KH-2 "Skully" - Hammett's main touring guitar. This signature model is based upon the modifications he made to his M-II. [6]
ESP KH-2 M-II "Boris Karloff Mummy" #I - This has been Hammett's favourite guitar for many years. It features the Boris Karloff Mummy I graphic of which Hammett owns the rights to. It will not be released by ESP. [7]
ESP KH-2 M-II "Ouija" - This guitar contains 2 spelling errors. It sports the words "WILLIAM FUED TALKING BAARD SET" but it in fact should say "WILLIAM FULD TALKING BOARD SET". [8]
ESP KH-3 Eclipse - Pushead Spider graphic. It is taken from a classic Les Paul Jr. shape with a Floyd Rose vibrato and EMG pickups. [9]
ESP Flying V copy - Cherry Red with white pickguard and gold hardware. Kirk uses this live mostly for the song Seek & Destroy. [10]
ESP Michael Schenker Flying V [11]
Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom - Mostly on ballads such as "Fade to Black" and "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)". [12]
Gibson Les Paul Standard - Used on songs from St. Anger. [13]
Jackson Randy Rhoads Model RR1T - Custom-Made specifically for Hammett. It is usually tuned one step down from standard tuning, and used for songs like Harvester of Sorrow, One and Sad but True".[14]
On the 25th anniversary of Metallica's Kill 'Em All, Kirk Hammett appears on the cover of Feb. 2008's Guitar World sporting his new custom ESP. This model is the KH20, the 20th anniversary model from ESP.[15]
In the video for "One", Kirk Hammett is seen using what is most likely an ESP Vintage Plus. It appears however to be modified; it has a Floyd Rose tremolo, which could have been Hammett's own work or a custom model. [16]

[edit] Amplifiers & Cabinets
Throughout Metallica's career, Hammett has used a range of different amplifiers. For the first two albums, he used Marshall amplifiers and cabinets, with occasional effects. For the recording of 1986's Master of Puppets, he and James Hetfield bought a Mesa/Boogie MarkIIC+ amplifier, and used Mesa/Boogies until he made his move to Randall Amplifiers in 2007.
In September 2007, Randall Amplifiers announced a partnership with Hammett to design a line of signature amps, heads, combos and preamp modules. [17]
Hammett has also been seen using a wide range of different amplifiers in the studio and during live performances.
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (x2)
Randall RM100KH Signature Model (modified version of the MTS series RM100) (x2)
Randall 4x12 Cabinets (x4)

[edit] Effects
To avoid problems with pedals being damaged during live performances, Hammett keeps his effect pedals in a rack along with his amplifiers and his tech controls them through a pedalboard sidestage. The pedal controller allows him to change between different effect pedals and amplifiers.
In 2008, Jim Dunlop started working in partnership with Hammett to create a signature KH95 Kirk Hammett Signature Wah Pedal. It is now available to buy in stores.
TC Electronics G-Major effects processor
Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor
Dunlop DCR-2SR Crybaby Rack Wah
Ibanez TS9 Tubescreamer (Modded by Keeley)
DigiTech Whammy WH-1
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler
Line 6 MM4 Modulation Modeler
Shure UR-4D Wireless Receiver
Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro floorboard
DBX 1074 Quad Gate
MXR Eddie Van Halen Flanger
DigiTech Space Station

[edit] Accessories
Ernie Ball "Power Slinky" strings (.11-.48)
Jim Dunlop Dunlop tortex .88 (green)
Levy Custom Straps
Peterson Strobe 420 Tuner
EMG 81 in bridge position
EMG 60 in neck position

[edit] Discography

[edit] Exodus
1982 Demo

[edit] Metallica
Main article: Metallica discography
Kill 'Em All
Ride the Lightning
Master of Puppets
...And Justice for All
Metallica
Live Shit: Binge & Purge
Load
ReLoad
Garage, Inc.
S&M
St. Anger
Death Magnetic

[edit] See also
ESP Kirk Hammett

[edit] References
^ "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Hammet is most-knowed og his terribele vobrato.". Rolling Stone. August 27, 2003. http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5937559/the_100_greatest_guitarists_of_all_time/.
^ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004987/bio
^ http://explicate.blogspot.com/2007/03/kirk-hammett-why-taped-hand.html
^ http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/zorlac/kirkzorlac.jpg
^ http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/zorlac/zorlackh2.jpg
^ http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/Skully/skully1.jpg
^ http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/mummy1/mummy.jpg
^ http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/ouija/ouija1.jpg
^ http://www.guitarraonline.com.ar/set-ups/metallica/KIRKfotoD.jpg
^ http://www.metalmonster.fr/img/equipements/photo_kirk.jpg
^ hthttp://dashboard.metallica.com/ivergence/image/11nov1808_pic27.jpg
^ http://dararasmi.com/Images/lp68black.jpg
^ http://dashboard.metallica.com/ivergence/image/10oct2008_pic06.jpg
^ http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/RhoadsV/kirkjacksonrhoads2.jpg
^ Guitar World - Covers Archive
^ http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=jcGnZ5_0AqI
^ Randall Amplifiers Announces Partnership With Kirk Hammett of Metallica

Lars Ulrich

Lars Ulrich

Lars Ulrich performing live in London 15 September 2008
Background information
Born
December 26, 1963 (1963-12-26) (age 45)Gentofte, Denmark
Genre(s)
Heavy metal, thrash metal, hard rock
Occupation(s)
Musician, songwriter, producer
Instrument(s)
Drums
Years active
1981–present
Associated acts
Metallica
Website
http://www.metallica.com/
Notable instrument(s)
Tama Lars Ulrich Signature snare drums (Bell brass or Diamond-plate steel)Ahead Lars Ulrich Signature sticks
Lars Ulrich (born December 26, 1963) is a Danish American drummer best known as one of the founders of American heavy metal band Metallica. He was born in Gentofte, Denmark to an upper-middle class family. A tennis prodigy in his youth, Ulrich moved to Los Angeles, California at age sixteen to pursue his training, but instead of playing tennis, he ended up as a drummer. After publishing an advertisement in a local Los Angeles newspaper called The Recycler, he met James Hetfield and formed Metallica.
Contents[hide]
1 Biography
1.1 Napster controversy
2 Personal life
3 In popular culture
4 Equipment
4.1 Current Tour Kit (2008–2009)
5 References
5.1 Notes
6 External links
//

[edit] Biography
Lars' father, Torben Ulrich, who was an acclaimed tennis pro from the late 1970s into the early 1980s, was also a musician, playing jazz with giants such as Stan Getz and Miles Davis; legendary saxophonist Dexter Gordon was Ulrich's godfather. In February 1973, Torben Ulrich obtained five passes for five of his friends to a Deep Purple concert that was being held in the same Copenhagen stadium as one of his tournaments. When it was discovered that one of the friends could not go, their ticket was handed over to the nine year-old Lars. The young Ulrich found himself mesmerized by the performance, buying the band's Fireball album the very next day. The concert and the album had a considerable impact on Ulrich, inspiring his entrance into the world of rock and roll and later on, heavy metal. As a result of his newfound interest in music, he received his first drum kit from his grandmother at the age of thirteen, a Ludwig. Lars' original goal and reason for moving to America was to play tennis, but the plan was later changed when he formed Metallica.
Later on in life, in 1981, Lars discovered a British heavy metal band called Diamond Head. He was so excited about their style of music after getting hold of their 1980 debut Lightning to the Nations that he traveled all the way from San Francisco to London in order to see the band perform live at the Woolwich Odeon. However, the young Lars had not planned the trip out particularly well and was left without anywhere to stay after the gig. However, he managed to meet the band backstage and explain the lengths he had taken to see them. The band warmed to him and lead guitarist Brian Tatler let him stay with him in Birmingham,[1] where Lars spent the next few weeks touring with the band. Lars still remains a big fan of the band and even helped mix their Best Of album.

Lars spitting on his fans during a show in London, 15 September 2008.
In the same year Lars met James Hetfield in Downey, California and formed the thrash metal band Metallica. He got the name "Metallica" from a friend, Ron Quintanna, who was thinking up names for a heavy metal magazine he was starting up, and Metallica was one of the options, the other being "Metal Mania". Lars encouraged him to pick Metal Mania, and kept the name Metallica for himself. He became known as a pioneer of fast thrash drum beats, featured on many of Metallica's early songs, such as "Metal Militia" from Kill 'Em All, "Fight Fire With Fire" from Ride the Lightning, "Battery" from Master of Puppets and "Dyers Eve" from ...And Justice for All. He has since been considerably influential due to both the popularity of his band, as well as his various drum techniques, such as the double bass in the song "One" (...And Justice for All) and the opening of "Enter Sandman" (Metallica / "The Black Album"). Since the release of Metallica, Ulrich adopted a stripped-down style of drumming, and severely reduced the size of his drumset.

[edit] Napster controversy
In April 2000, Ulrich became a vocal opponent of Napster and file sharing as Metallica sued the company for copyright infringement and racketeering. In July 2000, he testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee after Metallica's entire catalogue was found to be freely available for download on the service. The case was settled out-of-court, resulting in more than 300,000 Napster users being banned from the service.[2] Due to his high profile role in Napster's legal troubles and subsequent demise, Ulrich faced significant criticism and ridicule from users of the service.[3] Since the Napster ordeal, Ulrich was quoted by LAUNCHcast as having some regrets:[4]
“
I wish that I was more...you know, I felt kind of ambushed by the whole thing because I didn't really know enough about what we were getting ourselves into when we jumped. [...] We didn't know enough about the kind of grassroots thing, and what had been going on the last couple of months in the country as this whole new phenomenon was going on. We were just so stuck in our controlling ways of wanting to control everything that had to do with Metallica. So we were caught off guard and we had a little bit of a rougher landing on that one than on other times than when we just blindly leap. But you know, I'm still proud of the fact that we did leap... and I took a lot of hits and it was difficult.
”
Ulrich later admitted that he had gone into the Napster controversy somewhat uneducated, and as revealed in an interview with Eddie Trunk on VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show" and posted on Blabbermouth.net on March 3, 2009, he pirated Metallica's ninth studio album "Death Magnetic" shortly after it was leaked on the internet.[5]

[edit] Personal life
Ulrich has been married twice. His first marriage was in 1988 to Debbie Jones, a British woman whom he had met on tour, but they were divorced in 1990, because of Ulrich's constant absence due to touring and then recording The Black Album.
His second marriage was to Skylar Satenstein, an emergency medicine physician, to whom he was married from 1997 up until 2004. They had two sons, Myles (b. August 5, 1998) and Layne (b. May 6, 2001). Satenstein was the inspiration for "Skylar", the love interest for Will Hunting (Matt Damon) in the movie Good Will Hunting, as Satenstein and Damon dated when they were both in college. Ulrich and Satenstein officially divorced in March 2004.
Ulrich has been dating Danish actress Connie Nielsen since late 2003, early 2004 and the couple had their first child, Bryce Thadeus Ulrich-Nielsen, born in San Francisco on May 21, 2007.[6] Nielsen also has another son named Sebastian (b. 1990).
Ulrich is also a noted collector of art. His father, who owned a jazz club, was also very fond of art and paintings, so Ulrich grew up surrounded by art and music, and both have always been a part of his life. After founding Metallica, he started to visit museums and art galleries during the band's long periods on the road.
In an interview from 2002 Ulrich said: "I felt I could lose myself in art and get away from the music world. It became this great hiding place."
In 2008, in an interview with Stereo Warning, he said: "We had art all over the house when I was growing up. It's been a passion of mine for 20-25 years. It's one area where I can go and be myself. It's not about being in Metallica or being the drummer in a rock band. I'm accepted for who I am in the art circles. I love going into artist spaces and galleries and auction houses. It's great because it has absolutely nothing to do with Metallica. It's my place of sanctuary."
When he, along with the rest of Metallica, was inducted in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Ulrich was the very first Danish person to receive that honor.

[edit] In popular culture
Ulrich's involvement in the conflict with Napster was parodied in "Christian Rock Hard", an episode of the satirical animated TV series South Park. In the episode, the children are taught not to download illegally because multi-millionaires like Ulrich now have to wait a little longer to buy extravagant things (also, when Kyle has his "weekly epiphany" and proclaims that bands should be about music, the artists react with "we're just about the money," with Ulrich nodding). Another such reference is in the "Weird Al" Yankovic song "Don't Download This Song".
Lars made a brief appearance on the Linkin Park live DVD, Live In Texas, dressed up as a green fisted bunny man during their performance of "From The Inside".
He was also mentioned in the Family Guy episode FOX-y Lady, where it is revealed that Ulrich is, in fact, Fred Savage in disguise.
Lars is featured, along with the other Metallica members, in the film The Darwin Awards. He portrays himself at a concert when two of the film's characters are involved in a freak accident as the band performs on stage.
Lars also appears with his band Metallica in The Simpsons episode "The Mook, the Chef, the Wife and Her Homer".
Lars also made an appearance on the television show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Lars made an appearance on the Rachel Maddow Show on April 27th.
Lars made an appearance on the Iron Maiden film, Flight 666.
Lars made an appearance on the Sam Dunn film, Global Metal
Lars has also been announced to have a cameo in Guns N' Roses' new video "Better", which is yet to be released.

[edit] Equipment
Ulrich is an endorser of Tama Drums, Zildjian Cymbals and Remo Drumheads. He is rarely, if ever, seen without these brands onstage. He has, however, been known to use a mixture of brands when recording in the studio, including Ludwig Drums, Gretsch Drums and Sabian Cymbals. Ulrich was an endorser of Calato Regal Tip drumsticks, but changed to Easton Ahead in 1994. Tama Drums has produced two Lars Ulrich Signature Snare drums, one with a steel shell (with diamond plate-like finish) and another made out of bell brass which currently is Tama's most expensive snare drum on the regular catalogue. Both snare drums measure 14x6.5".

[edit] Current Tour Kit (2008–2009)
Tama Drums and Hardware, Zildjian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads:
Drums – Tama Starclassic Maple, LU Magnetic Orange (finish #LUM) [7]
10" × 8" Tom
12" × 10" Tom
16" × 14" Floor Tom
16" × 16" Floor Tom
22" × 16" Bass Drum (x2)
14" × 6.5" Lars Ulrich Signature Snare Drum
Note: Ulrich uses the standard Lars Ulrich Signature LU1465 snare live on tour (diamond plate), while he uses both the LU1465 and LU1465BB (bell brass) in the studio, depending on what type of sound he wants.
Cymbals – Zildjian [8]
14" Z Custom Dyno Beat Hi-Hats
19" A Custom Projection Crash
18" A Custom Projection Crash (x2)
17" A Custom Projection Crash
18" Oriental China Trash
20" Z Custom China
Note: In concert sometimes Lars will use a 20" A Custom Ping Ride.
Drum Heads - Remo
Mounted Toms - Coated Emperor Clear Ambassador
Floor Toms - Coated Emperor Clear Ambassador
Bass - Clear Powerstroke 3 Ebony Powerstroke 3
Snare - Coated Emperor X Clear Hazy Ambassador
Hardware - Tama and Drum Workshop
Tama Iron Cobra Power Glide Kick Pedal (x2)
Tama Iron Cobra Lever Glide Hi-Hat Stand
Tama Roadpro Cymbal Stand w/Counterweight (x3)
Tama Roadpro Cymbal Stand (x2)
Tama Roadpro Double Tom Stand
Tama Roadpro Snare Stand
Tama Cymbal Holder
Tama Multi-Clamp
Tama Hi-Hat Attachment
Tama Ergo-Rider Drum Throne
DW Drop-Lock Hi-Hat Clutch
Sticks - Ahead
Lars Ulrich Signature 16-1/4" length, .595" diameter

[edit] References
Steffan Chirazi and Metallica (2004). So What!: The Good, The Mad, and The Ugly. Broadway. ISBN 0767918819.

[edit] Notes
^ Galaway Advertiser, The Week, June 2007
^ The Falcon Newspaper - Napster bans more than 300,000 for downloading Metallica
^ YouTube - Napster Bad
^ PiTRiFF Online
^ http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=115407
^ "METALLICA Drummer LARS ULRICH, Girlfriend CONNIE NIELSEN Expecting". Blabbermouth.net. December 6, 2006. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=63395. Retrieved on 2006-11-18.
^ http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/artist/tama_artist.php?artist_id=98 Lars Ulrich's drum setup on the TAMA website
^ http://www.zildjian.com/en-US/products/configurator/default.ad2?artistID=1388 Lars Ulrich's cymbal setup on the Zildjian website

[edit] External links
Find more about Lars Ulrich on Wikipedia's sister projects: Definitions from Wiktionary
Textbooks from Wikibooks Quotations from Wikiquote Source texts from Wikisource Images and media from Commons News stories from Wikinews Learning resources from Wikiversity
And Justice for All Kit for Roland Vdrums TD12
"Lars Ulrich's Biography on Metallica.com". Metallica.com. http://www.metallica.com/Band/lars.asp. Retrieved on December 30 2005.
"Lars Ulrich's St Anger Tour Setup". Tamadrum.co.jp. http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/world/artists/setup/larsulrich.html. Retrieved on February 19 2006.
"Lars Ulrich's Load/ReLoad/Garage Inc./S&M Tour Setup". Tama.com. http://www.tama.com/artists/artist.asp?ID=83. Retrieved on February 19 2006.
"Napster bans more than 300,000 for downloading Metallica". thefalcononline.com. http://www.thefalcononline.com/story/748. Retrieved on June 19 2007.
Lars' kit setup
Lars Ulrich Drummerworld.com profile
New York Times article about Lars' art collection
Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame: Metallica FuseTV

James Hettfield

James Alan Hetfield (born August 3, 1963, in Downey, California[1]) is the co-founder, main songwriter, lyricist, vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the American heavy metal band Metallica.
Contents[hide]
1 Biography
1.1 Early life and family
1.2 Musical influences
1.3 Pre-Metallica bands
1.4 Metallica (1981-present)
1.5 Personal life
2 Equipment
2.1 Guitars
2.2 Amplifiers & Cabinets
2.3 Effects
2.4 Accessories
3 Guest appearances
4 References
5 External links
//

[edit] Biography

[edit] Early life and family
James Hetfield was born on August 3, 1963, in Downey, Los Angeles County, California. He is of English, German, and Irish descent.
James' father, Virgil (a truck driver who later left the family) and mother, Cynthia (a light opera singer) were strict adherents to Christian Science, and accordingly, much of James' young life revolved around Christian Science. These were hard times for young Hetfield. Being held out of health class and other related subjects made him feel very alienated.
In accordance with their beliefs, Hetfield's parents strongly disapproved of medicine or any other medical treatment and remained loyal to their faith even as Cynthia was dying from cancer.[2]

[edit] Musical influences
Cynthia's death and James' subsequently turbulent relationship with religion have both been the focal point of many Metallica lyrics throughout the years - the songs "Mama Said", "Dyers Eve" and "The God That Failed," are about Hetfield's parents, and "Until It Sleeps" is about cancer.[3]
Hetfield was nine years old when he first began piano lessons, after which he took on his brother David's drums and finally, at the age of fourteen, James began to learn to play guitar.[4]
James identifies Aerosmith as having been his main musical influence as a child, and has said that they were the reason why he wanted to play guitar. Other bands such as Motörhead, Black Sabbath, Diamond Head, Iron Maiden, Queen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, AC/DC, Blue Öyster Cult, Led Zeppelin and Thin Lizzy also had a major influence on his musical tastes.[3] He also named Rush and Alice Cooper in his 2009 induction speech into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[edit] Pre-Metallica bands
Hetfield formed his first band, Obsession, when he was in his early teens. The members of Obsession were:
The Veloz brothers on bass and drums
Jim Arnold on guitar
James Hetfield on lead vocals
Obsession spent much time in the Veloz brothers' garage jamming with Ron McGovney and Dave Marrs acting as roadies. Marrs and McGovney subsequently joined the band itself when the Veloz brothers quit. After the death of his mother, James moved to Brea, California where he attended Brea Olinda High School and met up with drummer Jim Mulligan. The two jammed during lunch breaks, scaring fellow pupils with their loud and heavy music.
Hetfield's next band, Phantom Lord, was born with Tanner on guitar, Mulligan on drums, and Hetfield singing and playing guitar. The group went through a few bass players until graduation, when Hetfield moved back to Downey.[1] In Downey, Hetfield moved into a house owned by McGovney's parents that was slated for demolition due to an expressway expansion. He talked McGovney into playing bass guitar, Phantom Lord disbanded, and then the third band under Hetfield's leadership, Leather Charm, was born. Hetfield no longer played guitar, McGovney played bass guitar, while Tanner and Mulligan retained their former Phantom Lord positions.
Leather Charm was largely a hard rock combo which played a few originals along with covers of songs such as Iron Maiden's "Remember Tomorrow". Hetfield would later go on to perform "Remember Tomorrow" with Metallica in 2008. Leather Charm performed at a few parties and recorded a demo but eventually began to fall apart. Tanner left the band, to be replaced by Troy James, then Mulligan left for a more progressive, Rush-like band. Without a drummer, the rest of the band decided to call it quits. It was Mulligan's departure that led to Hetfield searching for a new drummer. It was through a classified ad in a local newspaper, The Recycler, that Hetfield would meet Lars Ulrich. The two would form Metallica in 1981.

[edit] Metallica (1981-present)
In the early days of the band, Metallica experimented with a few different vocal/guitar configurations. Some of the options considered included adding another guitar player, having John Roads play lead guitar, as well as asking John Bush from Armored Saint (who later joined Anthrax) to sing for the band. Hetfield stated in a 1989 interview with SPIN that the band wanted ex-Misfits' vocalist Glenn Danzig to be Metallica's singer, but it is unclear whether or not Danzig was ever actually approached to join the band. The finalized line-up of the band became Hetfield (rhythm guitar and vocals), Lars Ulrich (drums), Dave Mustaine (lead guitar), and Ron McGovney (bass). From 1981 to 1983, Mustaine's famous rock and roll lifestyle sparked heated altercations between him and Hetfield. Mustaine also once poured beer onto Ron McGovney's bass, very nearly causing serious damage. Eventually, Hetfield and Ulrich ejected Mustaine due to his alcoholic tendencies, and recruited lead guitarist Kirk Hammett from the band Exodus the same day. Mustaine was sent home on a 4-day bus journey, and went on to form the thrash metal band Megadeth.

Hetfield in 2008
Until the mid-1990s, Hetfield recorded all rhythm tracks and most harmony tracks. Since the recording of Load, Kirk Hammett is recording rhythm guitars as well. James occasionally plays guitar solos, too, such as "Nothing Else Matters", the outro solo on "The Outlaw Torn", the second solo on "To Live Is to Die", the second solo on "Orion" and the first interlude solo on "Master of Puppets". He also writes the majority of the guitar harmonies, as well as writing the lyrics, vocal melodies, and co-arranging the songs with Ulrich.
Hetfield has been involved in many onstage accidents, the most well-known being an incident with pyrotechnics at Montreal's Olympic Stadium. While on the GN'R-Metallica Stadium Tour on August 8, 1992, he accidentally stepped into the path of one of the chemical flames that had been rigged to shoot from the lip of the stage during the song, "Fade to Black". Hetfield's guitar protected him from the full force of the blast; however, the fire engulfed his left side, burning his hand, arm, eyebrows, face and hair. He suffered second, and third-degree burns, but was back on stage 17 days later, although his guitar duties were delegated to former guitar tech and Metal Church guitarist John Marshall for four weeks while he made a full recovery.[5]
Hetfield has also broken his arm several times while skateboarding, which prevented him from playing guitar on stage, and subsequently caused Hetfield's management company Q Prime to add a clause in James' contract forbidding him to ride a skateboard during a Metallica tour.[6] During a concert supporting Metallica's Black Album, James blew his voice box out singing the cover song "So What" while still having a lot of Metallica songs to play, forcing him to take vocal lessons for the first time. James did basic warm-up exercises to piano keys with his vocal coach who also gave him a cassette tape of the piano warm-up for future use. Hetfield still uses the same cassette he was given in the early nineties to this day before any show or any recording Metallica does. James talks about his vocal training endeavours in the Metallica documentary film, Some Kind of Monster produced & directed by Joe Berlinger & Bruce Sinofsky. [7] During the recording of the St. Anger album (2002-2003), Hetfield went into rehab to address his alcohol addiction. Hetfield had long-standing issues with alcohol and the band's alcoholic tendencies had earned them the nickname "Alcoholica" by the music press. Hetfield rejoined the band after two months in rehab and seven months recovering with his family. He is now clean and sober and is determined to remain so, all of which is Some Kind of Monster. [8]
Some Kind of Monster also shows the making of the St. Anger album and documents the various conflicts and issues the band were facing at the time including the departure of Metallica's bassist, Jason Newsted, alcoholism, family commitments, and the future of the band with many in the rock press questioning whether the band would even still be together to see the completion of the St. Anger album.
Hetfield, and the rest of Metallica, along with their new bassist, Robert Trujillo have addressed their many issues, and are continuing to make music. Metallica's newest album, Death Magnetic, was released on September 12, 2008. Like St. Anger and every album of original material released by Metallica since 1991's Black Album, Death Magnetic went #1 on the Billboard charts in over 30 countries during its first week of release.[9]
On April 4, 2009, James along with remaining Metallica members Lars, Kirk, Robert, and Jason were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
Hetfield was ranked 24th in the Hit Parader's Top Metal Vocalist of All Time.[10]

[edit] Personal life

This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2009)
When he is not writing, singing or playing, Hetfield enjoys a variety of outdoor activities including hunting, skateboarding, snowboarding, water and jet-skiing; sketching, working in his garage customizing cars and motorcycles, watching his favorite football team the Oakland Raiders, and going to hot-rod shows.
He also collects vintage guitars--particularly those from 1963--and enjoys working on classic automobiles. Among his favorites are a '74 Chevy Nova, which he helped restore, and "The Beast", an all-terrain four wheel drive Blazer.
He put his 1967 Chevrolet Camaro up for sale on eBay, with the proceeds going to a Music for Schools program. The car was used in the video for "I Disappear" and was given to him as a gift upon the video's completion. Years later, James donated the car to the Hard Rock Cafe which is featured in the movie Hard Rock Treasures.
Hetfield has several tattoos, including one which shows flames encasing four cards, - ace (1), 9, 6 and 3 - representing the year of his birth, and the words "Carpe Diem" ("seize the day", also part of the title of the track "Carpe Diem Baby" off ReLoad). The flames from the tattoo are reportedly in reference to the pyrotechnic accident from which he suffered in 1992. He has also tattooed an 'M' on his right hand which stands for Metallica and 'F' on his left hand which stands for his wife Francesca.
Aside from these pursuits, Hetfield says he is often happiest spending time with his wife Francesca and their three children: Cali (June 13, 1998), Castor (May 18, 2000), and Marcella (January 17, 2002). Hetfield married his wife Francesca Tomasi on August 17, 1997.
During an interview on NPR's Fresh Air, Hetfield stated that his wife had helped him to mature and learn to deal with his anger issues more constructively, explaining that after they met, his destructive tendencies embarrassed both of them. The Hetfield family currently resides in Marin County, CA.

[edit] Equipment

[edit] Guitars
Hetfield has been a major endorser of ESP Guitars since the 1980s, and is best known for playing custom-made Explorer-style guitars with an EMG 81/EMG 60 set for pickups. Hetfield's main guitar from the early days was a Gibson Flying V, used almost exclusively until about 1984 when he switched to the Gibson Explorer model. Hetfield's first guitar was a white Flying V style guitar that was a fake copy of a Gibson Flying V.
During the mid-1990s, ESP produced the first of his signature model guitars. To date, Hetfield has had six signature guitars with the company.
James Hetfield's current tour guitars:
Gibson 1973 Les Paul Custom "Iron Cross" - This has been James's main tour guitar since the St. Anger era. It is Black with Gold hardware, with a gold racing stripe and a gold Iron cross on the body. [1]
Gibson Les Paul Custom - Purple satin. Used often on the "Madly in Anger" Tour nowadays as a warm-up guitar backstage. [2]
Gibson 1976 Explorer "Rusty" - Black satin body with Dot inlays. Rosewood Fingerboard, with EMG 60/81 Humbuckers and "Rusted" pickguard. [3]
Ken Lawrence Explorer #1 - The first of two custom made Explorer-type guitars made by Northern Californian Luthier Ken Lawrence. It features a Mahogany body with a Chichino bark laminate Top, Modified Kenneth Lawrence headstock and Custom "Tribal Hunting Scene" inlays. [4]
Ken Lawrence Explorer #2 - James' second Ken Lawrence Explorer. It features a Mahogany body with a Quilted Bubinga Top, Modified Kenneth Lawrence headstock, Chechen Rear Cover Plate and Custom Sun-Ray inlays. [5]
ESP Truckster I - Hetfields's signature model. It has a Aged Primer Grey finish with multiple layers superimposed upon each other, skillfully sandpapered to create a "worn out' look. Gloss chrome Mechanical Sperzel. TonePros Rest. [6]
ESP Truckster II - Hetfields's signature model, but in a new Black finish. [7]
ESP Iron Cross - New for 2009, Hetfields's signature model guitar is based on his 1973 Les Paul Custom. It is Black on a Mahogany Body with a "Relic" finish, to create a "worn out' look. Destressed Mechanical Sperzel. TonePros Rest. [8]
ESP White Explorer "Papa Het" - White body with a "Papa Het" drawing by Dirty Donny on the body. [9]
ESP Black Explorer "Chrome Diamond Plate" - Black ESP Explorer with Chrome Diamond Plate (body & headstock). Used in D-tuned. [10]
ESP Black Explorer - Black ESP Explorer with Dot inlays. [11]
ESP Flying V - New ESP Custom Flying V (replica of his old Electra). It has a White finish with Rosewood fretboard. It was Used rarely on 2008 European Vacation Tour, but is used a lot on the World Magnetic Tour. [12]
ESP LTD "The Grynch" - Signature Guitar. Black with Green Flames on both the front and back of the body and handle. Used on the song "Frantic". [13]
Line 6 Variax Acoustic - Used for live performances of "The Unforgiven".

[edit] Amplifiers & Cabinets
Throughout Metallica's career, Hetfield has used a range of different amplifiers. For the first two albums, he used Marshall amplifiers and cabinets, with occasional effects. For the recording of 1986's Master of Puppets, he and Kirk Hammett bought a Mesa/Boogie MarkIIC+ amplifier, and since then he has used Mesa/Boogies. Since then, in the studio, Hetfield has been seen using a wide range of different amplifiers in the studio and during live performances, he relies on several different amplifiers to recreate the sounds from the different amps he has used in the studio.
The majority of his clean tones come from a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Guitar Amplifier.
Mesa/Boogie TriAxis preamp (x4)
Mesa/Boogie Simul-Class 2:90
Roland JC-120H
Diezel VH4 (x2)

[edit] Effects
To avoid problems with pedals being damaged during live performances, Hetfield keeps his effect pedals in a rack along with his amplifiers and his tech controls them through a pedalboard sidestage. The pedal controller allows him to change between different effect pedals and amplifiers.
TC Electronics G-Major effects processor
Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor
Line 6 DM4
Behringer Multigate Pro
Mesa/Boogie Custom Graphic EQ
MXR Phase 100
Shure UR-4D Wireless Receiver
Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro floorboard
GCX Audio Switcher
DBX 1074 Quad Gate
Klon Centaur Overdrive

[edit] Accessories
Ernie Ball "Power Slinky" strings (.11-.48)
Jim Dunlop Dunlop Tortex .88 Picks(green)
Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom (.10-.52) Strings
Prototype Levy Straps-M7GG3.
Levy M8P3GP Straps
Peterson Strobe 420 Tuner
EMG 81 in bridge position
EMG 60 in neck position

[edit] Guest appearances
Hetfield sang the background vocals on "Twist of Cain" and "Possession" by Danzig on their first album; although, Hetfield was uncredited for contractual reasons.
Hetfield sang "Stone Cold Crazy" at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, accompanied by the remaining members of Queen and Tony Iommi on rhythm guitar
He sang the background vocals on "Man or Ash" on the Corrosion of Conformity album Wiseblood.
He played guitar on "Eclectic Electric" from the Primus album Antipop.
Though previously believed to have been sung by Trey Parker, the song "Hell Isn't Good" from the motion picture South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut was actually sung by Hetfield. He admitted to doing so in 2000, confirming what many Hetfield fans had already recognized as his trademark growling style.The Playboy Interview: Metallica (April 2001)
Hetfield sang on the Gov't Mule song "Driving Rain" with fellow guest Les Claypool, which appears on the compilation album Crank It Up with NASCAR.
He also performed at the Outlaws Concert in 2004, alongside Hank Williams Jr., Cowboy Troy, Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, and Kid Rock. Hetfield played one of close friend Waylon Jennings's songs, "Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out of Hand," the very same he recorded on the tribute album to Jennings, I've Always Been Crazy. At this same event, he performed Metallica's "Mama Said" with Jesse Colter, the widow of Waylon Jennings, though this was cut from the television broadcast.
Hetfield, as well as Metallica's lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, voiced characters in several episodes of the Adult Swim cartoon Metalocalypse.
He and bandmate Lars Ulrich appeared on the Disney cartoon Dave the Barbarian, as teenage dragons.
He also appeared as a guest in an episode of Space Ghost: Coast to Coast entitled "Jacksonville" alongside fellow member Kirk Hammett.
Hetfield, along with the current Metallica lineup, appeared on an episode of Discovery's Time Warp, aptly titled "Metallica."