INTERVIEWS
Kirk on AOL:
2-15-94
2/15/94 11:08:34 PM Opening "Kirk Chat 1" for recording.
RussellMB : Ok, Are you guys gonna have an instrumental on the new album?
MET CLUB : At this point , they are all instrumentals. James
hasn't written any lyrics.
KZ South : Fr: Lisa How much do you and the other guys get
online??
MET CLUB : KZ - Speaking for myself, at least twice a day.
NO1257 : What is your guestimate on when the new one will be done?
MET CLUB : hopefully by the end of the year!
KevinH4474 : IN the begining of Blackened, how and why did you record guitars backwards???
MET CLUB : To set a vibe, mood, atmosphere for that song and the rest of the album. Just flipped the tape.
IvoA : do you have any plans to make a guitar lessons video?
MET CLUB : once I learn to play myself, maybe!
JDROP : Whatever happened to the Lespool/Hammett tapes? Will they be made available?
MET CLUB : There is one track that Les, Mike Borden and I
recorded that Les is gonna release.
Stinky10 : Did you ever have a revelation of how much you loved music, and began to appreciate it much
more? How/Why did it happen?
MET CLUB : When I was 5 years old, I loved the Beatles...so blame Yoko. My brother had a guitar
too that I thought was the neatest thing in the world.
Boaris : I notice Bevis and Butthead always wear Metallica shirts. Are you flattered by this or do
you consider Mike Judge the creator a social climber?
MET CLUB : I am flattered that you think using the name Metallica is social climbing.
Craig1560 : Whats in your CD player right now? And how loud was/is it?!?!
MET CLUB : John McLahlin - Carlos Santana - Jazz rock fusion thing....loud enough to annoy my girlfriend.
Stevene127 : Kirk, Do you expect to have any ballads on this
album? If so, can you compare it to any previous?
MET CLUB : you can expect ballads and this album has a greater variety of hard rock , metal styles.
Woof Woof : What vintage and make guitar do you prefer to record with?
MET CLUB : I use my stage guitars...but on this album I am going to use pre - CBS Stratocaster and
58 Les Paul standard.
IvoA : What did santa bring you for christmas?
MET CLUB : A lot of headaches and hangovers and a new train set.
RussellMB : Where do you guys hang out when in Seattle?
MET CLUB : The Gravity Bar.
KZ South : What did you find the most interesting when taking music courses???
MET CLUB : Theory and harmony.
NO1257 : I heard you like NYC. I live here and was wondering what some of your fav places to
go/things to do are when in town. Jason too. I've also heard you two are Ranger fans. T/F?
MET CLUB : I have a lot of friends there....they take me to where all the fun is. I like whatever
team James and Lars don't like.
KevinH4474 : why did you go from a hard album like Justice to a softer one like the black thing,
what will the next one be most like?
MET CLUB : I think the Black album was just as heavy in a different kind of way and the new one will
probably be yet another kind of heavy.
GOSHEN400 : On the next tour will you guyz spend time, playing jams like justice medley no vocals
MET CLUB : We haven't even begun to think about the next tour.But these medleys help rest James voice.
JDROP : Who plays the rhythm part of "Funeral March of the Marionette's?"
MET CLUB : James and Jason while sitting under the stage.
Stinky10 : How do your musical ideas come about? Do you think of something then try to transcribe
your idea onto guitar? Do they come from just playing?
MET CLUB : They come both ways, it depends if I have a guitar around or not.
Boaris : I raise racehorses and want to name a good one Master of Puppets. Do you think you guys
would give permission?
MET CLUB : if it wins the KY Derby, we want a cut!
Stevene127 : Regarding your guitar solo last tour (after "Seek" and *just* before the "Unforgiven"-theme)
.... it was sort of different... did you write it? If not what was it?
MET CLUB : I did write it, it was classically inspired.
KELLCEE : I'm going to Copenhagen, and I wanted to know if you had any cool places (other than strip
joints) to hang out at?
MET CLUB : Tivoli Center and christiana.
MetalKaryn : How many piercings do you have and do you plan on getting any more? Where?
MET CLUB : Both ears, lip , belly button and nose twice. But you can't tell..working my way south.
GOSHEN400 : Have you thought of using a different set list for each show?And has Jason taken singing lessons?
MET CLUB : To try to be fair to each city, we keep it similar. And no , Jason has not.
C5432 : What do you want to achieve with the next record, and do you think you will achieve what you would like?
MET CLUB : We want to push ourselves into even more new areas and keep stretching our talents by experimenting.
C5432 : WHat kind of music are you listening to lately
MET CLUB : A lot of stuff that influenced my guitar playing when I first started....like old UFO.
KevinH4474 : is anyone married?
MET CLUB : no
NO1257 : Does everyone have girlfriends at this time
MET CLUB : we all have girlfriends
JDROP : do you read "The Sandman" comic?
MET CLUB : No, I don't, JDrop
MET CLUB : I check the message boards regularly and really enjoy your comments
MET CLUB : Ok folks...enjoyed it...time for us to go!!
Kirk on AOL:
2-16-94
2/16/94 12:45:14 AM Opening -Kirk chat 2+ for recording.
: What is your favorite horror movie?
MET CLUB : Bride of Frankenstein and Tetsuo - The Iron Man
MetalJEN : What is your favorite current band?
MET CLUB : Godflesh
Metalgdess : How many tracks do you have for the new album, and any titles?
MET CLUB : More than your standard albums worth.....watch out
for working titles in SO WHAT
Crab Nappy : Do you pump your own gas or do you go thru full serve like all the rich people do? Also,
which brand of gas do you prefer?
MET CLUB : I pump my own....but I have it imported from Kuwait. The Taco Bell brand.
Ktulu666 : How is the new music sounding?
MET CLUB : Raw and uncomplicated and very under produced
JHeadr4337 : Who came up with the idea to make fun of Alice in Chains and how did they take it?
MET CLUB : We just started jamming on it one night and Jerry had a good laugh
Velcro7 : Any thoughts of KNAC 105.5 going off the air...Lars and Jaymz were down here in L.A.
today to say goodbye with all the DJs and stuff (and get drunk).
MET CLUB : Great station..shame it's gone
TudorRose : Does Jaymz have any lyrics yet?
MET CLUB : Just working on melodies
EvilCarlos : Why does James always write "except K---" in liner notes like on Cliff 'em All, GDRR, B&P
MET CLUB : It's just a running joke between the band.
SteveG9712 : Have you ever done anything with strange tunings like J.Page did?
MET CLUB : Nothing that has ever made it onto an album and not live since I changed my roadie.
RSkalicky : What's your favorite and least favorite Metallica
song to play live? And why?
MET CLUB : Both of them are Seek and Destroy...every time we play it I get into like the first time.
W1A1S1P1 : Do you think you will ever do a solo project?
MET CLUB : Too much work with the band right now but I do do a solo performance in the bathroom every night.
MetalJEN : What is your favorite out of all your guitars? How many do you have?
MET CLUB : My black flying v is my fav.. too many to count.
Ktulu666 : Will Jason sing on any of the new tracks?
MET CLUB : Not if we can help it or unless he fights real strong.
Velcro7 : Any favorite new albums, like Slayer, Danzig, Pearl Jam, Melvins or anything else????
MET CLUB : New Danzig...PJ Harvey..Godflesh....Oasis...Portished
EvilCarlos : Any plans for a Cliff tribute? It's almost been 9 years...do you still talk to his family?
MET CLUB : We consider each album a tribute...I talk to his dad occassionaly..his mom died in 93
SteveG9712 : Are you going to be riding the pedals hard on the new cd, or running straight through?
MET CLUB : Yes, I'll be riding the pedals pretty hard and I'll be trying to get a new variety of sounds.
W1A1S1P1 : Did you write any songs for the new album? Read any good books lately? Recommed??
MET CLUB : I have contributed to several songs. Hot Zone is incredible..must read.
Metalgdess : What is your favorite area to tour, and why?
MET CLUB : The USA, because it's my home.
Ktulu666 : Was the door that Frank Bello broke really $20,000?
MET CLUB : no it wasn't really $20,000...it was $850.
JHeadr4337 : Do you have sort of release date for the new album, hopefully in 95!
MET CLUB : Hopefully by Thanksgiving
Velcro7 : There seems to be a punk bandwagon all of a sudden, into any of it?
MET CLUB : It's taken the youth of America 18 years to finally get it. Listen to GBH, Discharge, and Exploited.
TudorRose : What's you favourite Lovecraft story other than the Chthulu stories?
MET CLUB : Mountains of Madness
EvilCarlos : Are you filming in the studio again? Do you own the "Naked Truth" cd ( James naked)??:
by the way? how's Edna?
MET CLUB : Probably will film....I don't to need to own it..I have the real thing. Edna is sitting
in a case in my closet.
SteveG9712 : Sammy Hager says you guys owe him $100 each. Are you going to pay up?
MET CLUB : I tried to give him some champagne, but he wouldn't take it.
RSkalicky : I heard the new album may be 2 CDs, is that true and do you know of any '86 or older video
bootlegs other than Cliff 'em All, if so which ones?
MET CLUB : Two cds is news to me......there are dozens of bootleg videos out there..that's how
Cliff 'em All was made. ?
Crab Nappy : Why do you guys owe Sammy? Would you do another Monsters tour with them if the oppurtunity would arise?
MET CLUB : He bet us that Justice would go multi-platinum ....probably not until we pay Sammy the bet.
Ktulu666 : When the new album is released, will you guys be touring with Slayer, Sepultura, or Pantera?
MET CLUB : Unlikely, but we have not discounted anything yet.
JHeadr4337 : I read that the studio is under going remodeling AND THAT IT will delay the album, true?
MET CLUB : It is almost done and it won't delay the album. Our pool playing tournaments probably will though.
Velcro7 : Still hang with Les from Primus, and do you jam with other bands at their shows?
MET CLUB : I spent the weekend with Les at this ranch and I'll jam with anyone for a dollar.
SteveG9712 : Are you guys going to drive Bob crazy again, or do you think this session will go smoother?
MET CLUB : We'll probably drive him crazy again but we'll do it in a much smoother fashion.
RSkalicky : Did you think twice about joining Met and did you play The Mechanix or Horse at your 1st gig
MET CLUB : I didn't think twice , I had been fighting with Exodus and we played Four Horsemen at the first gig.
W1A1S1P1 : How's Lars,Jason,James? How come "Garage Days Re-Revisited" 9.98 CD Got Deleted
MET CLUB : They are all great....we drink martinis in between rehearsals....The $9.98 cd was always meant
to be an interim short term release to introduce Jason.
Metalgdess : What is your personal favorite work that you've put on an album?
MET CLUB : My personal fav. album is Master... it is hard to nail a personal fav work down.
Crab Nappy : How come songs like Breadfan and So What are on imports from other countries but seldom or
never on US versions???
MET CLUB : We use them as b-sides for singles, singles are considered more important in foreign markets.
Ktulu666 : Are there any instrumentals on the new album?
MET CLUB : They are all instrumentals at this point..James hasn't written any lyrics yet..
TudorRose : How heavy will the new album be?
MET CLUB : about 8 ounces
SteveG9712 : Which guitarists inspired you to learn to play? And what happened?
MET CLUB : Hendrix.....he died.
RSkalicky : whats your favorite gig other than Moscow '91 and will you guys kick the tour off in Phoenix
MET CLUB : the Freddie Mercury Tribute......too damn hot in Phoenix
W1A1S1P1 : Have you ever listened to "DIE KRUPPS" There tribute to Metallica is COOL :)
MET CLUB : I have listened to it and it has grown on me a little.
Metalgdess : What are some concepts you are working on for the next tour?
MET CLUB : Sobriety, no other thoughts yet.
Ktulu666 : Has there been a lot of pressure following up "the black album?"
MET CLUB : I try not to worry about that too much..we focus forward not backwards.
Velcro7 : Are you into any death metal bands, or in it at all?
MET CLUB : I like Pitchshifter and Fear Factory
SteveG9712 : Kirk, Thanks for showing up. Can we expect a tour next winter? If so, PLEASE do Reno again!!
MET CLUB : Tour next year....in 96
RSkalicky : On Cliff em All, did you mean to lose your guitar to the crowd in Chicago?
MET CLUB : that was a complete accident.
MET CLUB : OK...folks....I monitor the boards regularly, if you
have something to say to me..go for it!
MET CLUB : I have really enjoyed doing this....I don't think it
will be the last time.
Lars on AOL:
4-8-96 Pt. 1
OUIJA 17: Knowing your affection for Oasis will they be openers for Metallica in the fall and
what do you think of the band Bush?
MET CLUB: I don't think Oasis would ever support Metallica and Bush are ok, they don't do much
for me, either negative or positive.
CTHULUMAN: Did Jaymz' Pop's dying (my condolences) affect the record ?
MET CLUB: I think there have been very subtle affects that have crept in some lyrics, but generally
from a time point of view, it didn't affect recording much too badly.
WHedr1: Not counting The Black Album, what songs haven't you played live?
MET CLUB: We have never played "Dyer's Eve", "Escape" and I think that's it.
Gretsch15: What brand of drumset did you have at a younger age?
MET CLUB: Ludwig, 'cause I wanted the same drum kit as Ian Paice from Deep Purple.
JDROP: Jason and the IR8 situation... how far did it almost go?
MET CLUB: Anybody have Mike Inez's phone number?? 'Nuff said. nah, ....a couple of good round
table talks and everything got talked through.
VJHIGHLAND: Who do you want to see in the "special guests" slot on Lollapalooza? Did you request
Soundgarden?
MET CLUB: We definitely pushed for Soundgarden. The "special guest slots?"..... I have heard some
very cool names thrown around, some of which include.. but not confirmed; Tom Waites..
Waylon Jennings...and I am also pushing hard Black Grape on the B stage and also.....IR8!
Metal Mel: I've heard that a cover of 'Def Lep's' "Wasted" has been recorded by you guys...Is it
on Load?
MET CLUB: One word answer... no
Metal1996: Is it true that you are dating Courtney Love?
MET CLUB: No, she dumped me for that half naked man on the cover of the new Rolling Stone.
Jaymz666: What's your favorite Ramones album? How does it feel to be on the same bill with them?
MET CLUB: The first one and "Leave Home"......right on!
JD L LK: How do you feel about some of the "so called fans" saying that Metallica has "sold out"
or "gone mainstream"?
MET CLUB: I believe that the real fans know the real story and that the mainstream came to us.
MDevito893: Have you ever considered working with engineer/producer Martin (Purple, Rainbow) Birch?
MET CLUB: Hi Mark.. check's in the mail!! Definitely was interested in Birch in the early years
when he was making all those Iron Maiden records, but the relationship with Flemming
Rasmussen was too strong to break.
SHANE5150: Was is hard for you and James to give Jason and Kirk more input on the song writing?
MET CLUB: Not at all, we have always picked the best material and who ever came up the idea is
irrelevant.
Ktulu 77: Do you guys dislike Pantera? If so why? Support any death? Think Cliff would have a
custom bass if alive? Like his own line of basses?
MET CLUB: No, I don't dislike Pantera...I don't know much about death music. I think Cliff would
probably have his own line of spliff basses.
W1A1S1P1: I always have wanted to thank you, Lars, for tossing me a drum stick at a show in Foxboro,
Ma 9-11-92. Thanks a bunch. That show kicked ASS!!
MET CLUB: You're welcome, but just know I had a personal relationship with that stick and I miss it.
CHAPPELLE: What about a Metallica Club party, somewhere in the USA, for just jamming around, maybe
with guests, for charity and/or pay per view?
MET CLUB: Maybe we can organize an album release party at my house and you're all invited! Nah, on
second thought, we are definitely lining up some scattered club gigs around the release of
the record for club members only. Watch this space!
OnlyMolly: Do You think MTV does more bad than good? I think its filled with a lot of mind numbing crap.
MET CLUB: I think the 'Grind' is the best show on TV....my aim in life is to be the guest host.
PHyland: How do you like doing on-line events? Any chance we'll see sneak previews of 'Load' on-line?
MET CLUB: I like doing this on-line stuff and we are definitely considering to preview stuff.
Stevene127: Is 'Devil Dance' going to be on "Load"?... And any ballads?
MET CLUB: 'Devil's Dance' will not be on Load, it will be on album #7 with all the roughly 14 other
songs that we have been working on for the last 6 months. I wouldn't use the word ballad,
but there is a fairly mellow song on 'Load'.
OUIJA 17: What is your favorite beer? Hard liquor?
MET CLUB: The first one of evening, then the next one, the free one, the cold one and the one from
farthest away. I have been drinking a lot of Bombay Sapphire Gin lately.
CTHULUMAN: Any idea's for the next Fan Can and when its due out?
MET CLUB: Our plan is to have a Fan Can once a year, generally around Christmas to late winter.
WHedr1: Many people say that Metallica saved their lives.I'm sure you've heard this more times that
you're heard the phrase "Sell out"..... does it still affect you?
MET CLUB: Anytime anybody has something to say about Metallica it affects me, but when people say
that Metallica saved their lives, it blows our mind.
Gretsch15: How do you feel about having been a band through 2 generations (80's - 90's) and playing
for 2 completely different sets of fans? You've gone from openers to headliners to gods!
How does this make you feel?
MET CLUB: I am always so focused in the present that the past is not something I think alot about,
but when you point it out like you just did, of course it feels great!
JDROP: Metallica is known for the cover tunes. What do we have to look forward to this time around?
MET CLUB: We are just coming around to think of that right now, we are throwing ideas around and
we've got one or two pretty unusual ideas.
VJHIGHLAND: How has Kirk and Jason's influence affected "Load"? also any chance of you guys playing
any songs from album no#7 on the next tour?
MET CLUB: We actually did talk about that and I tell you that there is a good shot that we might! Most
of Kirk's contributions have made the guitar riffs bluesier and bouncier.
Metal Mel: Is a Detroit date on your list for a club/release show? How will the shortened Lollapalooza
set affect your setlist choices?
MET CLUB: No plans for Detroit....I just started thinking about the set list and I definitely want to
put together a really tight and "up" set.
Metal1996: Do you think mags like Rolling Stone will support Metallica this time?
MET CLUB: I think Rolling Stone will blow a big wad when they hear this record! I just hope they don't
find out we are in NY!
Jaymz666: Would you ever consider letting non-signed bands open up for you? I know of one that you might
just like. They're called Juvenocracy. Ask Devito about 'em.
MET CLUB: Are they as good as Oasis?
Jaymz666: Hmmmm.
JD L LK: What was your first reaction to being asked to play at Lollapalooza, BTW, I agree w/what you
said about real fans and mainstream going to you. METALLICA RULZ!!!
MET CLUB: I was initially very surprised but when I thought about it, it kind of made sense.. I think
Metallica is always about being the underdog and the outsiders, but in some perverse way I
think Metallica and Lollapalooza in 1996 fit together really well!
MDevito893 : "Is my check really in the mail?" OR "Any info on the next "Year & 1/2 in the life of..."
video?
MET CLUB: There were no camera's documenting the making of this record other than the stuff you guys saw
in the Fan Can, but we did take a camera crew with us on our Donington/Tuk trek in August 1995
and there's a chance we might do something with that fairly soon.
SHANE5150: Are you good friends with Sammy Hagar and haven't you gone to Cabo and jammed?
MET CLUB : Sammy lives 10 minutes from me, we run into each other often and I did go down to Cabo with
Jerry and Mike from 'Alice In Chains' in October 1994 and got up to absolutely no good!
Ktulu 77: Answer honestly please: who did you work better with? Cliff/Jason? Did Cliff have a girlfriend?
What kind of cigarettes did he smoke?
MET CLUB: Honest answer.. Cliff and Jason were/are so polar opposites that it doesn't compare... Cliff
had one or two girlfriends in the years that I knew him; I think it was Marlboro and some funny
green ones with a different smell.
W1A1S1P1: In the "Roam" tour book there is a picture of you "Bleeding For Moscow" What happened?
MET CLUB: During "Harvester" my finger got caught between the rim and the stick and decided to bleed for
the next 6 hours.
CHAPPELLE: How come James hasn't done somersaults since the first tours? He's a clown!
MET CLUB: What the hell are you talking about?? I have no idea!!
OnlyMolly: Would you ever do any shows with NIN? The two best live bands would crush.
MET CLUB: I love NIN! We actually did play together at Woodstock ..remember? We tried to get them play
with us at Donington last year and maybe we'll do something one day.
Stevene127: In regard to your new symbol with the four M's - who's idea? Will the Scary Guy be preserved?
(I did the SG interview in So What) and why Bombay over Tanguery?
MET CLUB: The four M symbol was James' idea and I am sure Scary Guy will pop up again soon! And Bombay is
stronger the Tanguery and it's easier to spell.
MET CLUB: Ok.. thanks alot, it's been fun!!
MET CLUB: see ya out there somewhere.
This private live chat with Lars was held for members of The Metallica Club on April 8, 1996.
Lars on AOL:
4-8-96 Pt. 2
MET CLUB:Hello from Lars...
JessUM:Lars, do you have a title for the song about 20 minutes into the fan can video,
the fast... one that goes "Out of your mind and into mine"?
MET CLUB:It's called "Ain't my Bitch;" potential album opener.
SSteele023:Hey Lars! Thanx for the drumstick in Clarkston, MI. What's going on with side
projects, like the Thin Lizzy tribute album?
MET CLUB:Right now everybody is 110% focused on Metallica, the side projects are in off
time. Obviously we are tied with Metallica for the next long while.
LuvJaysun:Lars, any more Lollapalooza dates available?
MET CLUB:The Lollapalooza dates are not yet finalized, because the tour is trying to play
some different places than before. It's quite hard to find the right spots in certain
areas and there are also a couple of places where I understand that the tour has been
denied permits, so all the dates are still being dealt with and as soon as they are
finalized you can get details through the Metallica Club!
Metalimirk:In 'Master Of Puppets' & '...And Justice For All,' there was an overriding theme
that connected all songs on the LP. Is this something to be expected with Load,
or the upcoming 7th Album?
MET CLUB:We've been getting into doing things less direct and more vague than before.. there
definitely isn't an overriding theme on the new record and most of the lyrics are much
more personal than they have ever been before.
Dirtnap101:What covers/B-sides are you guys working on this time around? How do you guys keep in
shape for those never ending tours and those long studio sessions?
MET CLUB:The B-side issue is something we are just getting around to dealing with. Being on tour
keeps you in shape automatically by playing everyday, it's the down time that is the problem.
JagerJ:Lars, you're the best!! I love your simple, groove-oriented style, but... is there going to be
more double-bass on the new album?
MET CLUB:I got really bored with all the double bass stuff I was doing and needing some new challenges.
Trying to play simple, loose and bouncy was a lot harder than I initially thought and I am
still really into the challenge.
HSwann:How old were you when you started playing and who do you think is the best drummer of all time?
MET CLUB:I was around 12... the two best drummers of all time for me are Ian Paice of 'Deep Purple'
for ability, and Phil Rudd of 'AC/DC' for groove and swing.
PaulieMet:Lars what do you guys think about the comments about your new look?
MET CLUB:I can actually understand that some people question it... but I can tell you from the bottom
of my heart that there are no reasons, other than the four of us, at various points in the
last year, getting bored with having long hair and decided to do something about it.
BREDFAN666:Will Metallica ever make another album that's fast like 'Kill 'em All,' 'Ride the Lightning,'
'Master of Puppets' and 'Justice'?
MET CLUB:We already made those records... why repeat ourselves? I learned to never say never... so who
knows in the future, but right now our hearts and souls are in a slightly different place.
J3SIDES:Is there going to be any type of seating for Metallica Club members? Or are all Lollapalooza's
general admission? Lars, what are your thoughtson Perry Farrell's comments?
MET CLUB:You gotta remember Lollapalooza is not our tour and we are not trying to take it over and control
it.. we will do what we can for you guys and as far as I know now all Lollapalooza dates are
general admission. As far as Perry Farrell goes... I know he has wanted out for a couple of years
and if he wants to use Metallica as the scapegoat, I don't give a s***!
Hunter1115:What do you think about Detroit's Z-Rock holding an annual 36 hour Metallica-thon?
MET CLUB:I think it's really cool, how about doing it weekly!?
Battery424: I've heard rumor of you guys playing a "Grateful Dead" type tour, as far as set lists go..
i.e. not playing the same show in a row... have you even thought about that?
MET CLUB:We are definitely going to try and be loose with the set list
than we have been before, but you do come to a point where you
realize that certain things work better than others and you can't discard that.
SStANKERS:Are you guys going to do another Day On the Green or any
other concerts to open up the tour, preferably Oakland?
MET CLUB:We are going to do some scattered club dates for Metallica club members only in June in the
states and we are going to play a big festival in Copenhagen Denmark June 15th... then off
to Lollapalooza!
KELLCEE:Hey Lars! Are you (Metallica) planning on expanding your music video production into more
creative endeavors rather than performance clips?
MET CLUB: We are dealing with that right now, some of the people we are talking to are definitely of
a different mind set than the people we have used before, believe me!
Evil Carlos:Will 'Load' (and the singles) be available on vinyl? Any thoughtson having a CD-Rom deal?
MET CLUB:I know the album will be available on vinyl as a double album..not sure about the singles. I
don't know s*** about CD-Rom.... ask Kirk!
RydDaWind:Hey Lars, very big fan, I choose your playin' style over other drummers! Anyhow... the
question is, has a fan ever come up to you and openly told you that you guys disappointed
him in any way? And if so, do you ever think about that over night?
MET CLUB:Anybody who tells you that they don't care about what people think is lying... but everybody
has different ways of dealing with it... and yes, people have come and told us things like
that.. but the positive outweighs the negative about 100 to 1.
CLRPLATE: Where do you get inspiration for song writing?
MET CLUB: Just listening to any music that gets you off in general... it's impossible to pinpoint
much beyond that.
CMKav: Lars, do you check the Metallica message boards here on AOL, and if so what do you think of them?
MET CLUB: I check them from time to time, mostly in cycles...like I'll check everyday for a week
and then not for a couple of weeks it's pretty fun, but sometimes it's kind of distracting to
have people give you their opinions on something you are still working on and not even done
with yet.
MET CLUB:Look forward to see all you guys this summer! Let's have some fun on Lollapalooza! See ya!
This private live chat with Lars was held for members of The Metallica Club on April 8, 1996.
Metallica on the IRC: 6-10-96
AWWC Scoot : Our special guest's are James Hetfield - Guitars, Vocals, Lars Urlich - Drums, Kirk Hammett - Guitars,
Jason Newsted - Bass .
LOAD Metal : Hey We have Lars and Kirk together now and they'll be taking the first round of questions!
AWWC Ron : Kirk--Load's been out for a week. What's your thoughts?
LOAD Metal : Kirk: I love seeing the album cover plastered everywhere because
of what it is and I'm not sure what people know what the image is all about!
AWWC Ron : Do you want to tell us what it is about, or leave it up to our
interpretation?
LOAD Metal : Kirk: I'll leave it up to your interpretation! I think it ushers
a whole new genre of Metallica!
AWWC Ron : How much of "metal" is attitude and look, and how much is the
music and craftsmanship?
LOAD Metal : Kirk: To some bands it's a musicianship and to some it's more image and there are bands out
there that have a little of both. We're experimenting with the visual aspects of things now
more than ever before only because we never have in the past and it's a challenge to us and
our fans!
AWWC Ron : Metallica has said over the years, "We will not sell out!" What has Metallica done to maintain
that promise?
LOAD Metal : Kirk: We keep the music true to ourselves and we play the music we want to play and we're not
catering to anyone, we're completely doing this to satisfy ourselves creatively and musically.
AWWC Carl : Many people wonder.... Why the new logo?
LOAD Metal : James did the star. We had for so long we were just looking to change it we were tired of it.
That's all! We wanted to reinvent the logo, just like we reinvented our music! :-)
LOAD Metal : Kirk adds: I'm not going to talk about our haircuts ;-)
AWWC Ron : On what levels do you think "Lollapalooza" will be different now that founder Perry Farrell
has abdicated the crown
LOAD Metal : Kirk: Perry who?
AWWC Ron : Why and how did Metallica steer "metal" into the alternative realm in 1992?
LOAD Metal : Kirk: In 1992 alternative music didn't exist!
AWWC Carl : From IRC: Did you guys film a new documentary when you recorded the new album?
LOAD Metal : Kirk: no because we're tired of having those MF following us around everywhere
and it really bothered us. I mean we did it once and we're not really interested in doing
it again!
LOAD Metal : Kirk: I think Jason has thought about it but don't quote me on that!
AWWC Carl : Monastery wonders....What kind of stage setup are you planning on having when you start
your own tour of the US?
LOAD Metal : Kirk: it's bigger than last time, LOL! And I haven't really seen the new stage yet so once I
find out, I'll tell you guys, LOL!
AWWC Carl : From IRC: Do you think the band will have a bigger presence on the Net after this IRC session?
LOAD Metal : Kirk: I think we're embracing this sort of presentation (cyber presentation) and I think you'll
see more of this sort of things in future for us. It works for us in a very positive way and the
net at all is very interesting to us! We just put up a home page for our fun club Keyword:
Metallica on AOL and on the Internet at http://www.metclub.com
AWWC Scoot : Got your own theory about the Internet? A special prediction about the industry? A great idea
to share? Don't be shy -- Apple Computer's The Plan discussion boards are your opportunity to
powwow about Apple's strategies with other pundits from the Apple community. Check it out at
URL: http://db.online.apple.com/webx
AWWC Carl : DR Mildew asks: Why did you suddenly become radio friendly, when you already had enough popularity?
LOAD Metal : Kirk: ask the radio stations that
LOAD Metal : Lars: it's the whole musical climate that starting shifting. After the Injustice for All record,
we were interested in making better sounding records and it so happens that at the same time
radio changed in the early 90s and for no ulterior motives radio starting chasing us, rather than
us chasing them
AWWC Carl : From the IRC: What were you guys up to between your last tour, and the recording of Load?
LOAD Metal : Kirk: I became a woman, but then I switched back because it wasn't fulfilling enough ;-) The
Black Album and the whole tour was pretty exhausting so it was the first time we got to spend
some time away from each other which was very healthy for us and it was a great opportunity
to chill. I got to do a lot of diving and just a lot of nothing. It was great!
AWWC Carl : U H003 wonders.... how early did u start to realize that you liked music?
LOAD Metal : Kirk: when I was 5 I was constantly drawn to my brothers Beatles albums more so for the
covers than anything else. And it so happened that I liked the music
LOAD Metal : Lars: My dad owned a jazz club in Copenhagen and I he was also reviewing and writing about jazz
music in Danish newspaper so there was always Miles Davis, Johnny Coltrane playing around the
house Metal : then as I was getting older I started getting into English pop bands, like Sweet
and Slade and then I went and saw my first Deep Purple concert in 1983 and that was it! :-)
I'm sorry, 1973.
AWWC Carl : From IRC: I heard last night that the cover to your next album will criticize the Catholic Church...
can we get some more information on that?
LOAD Metal : That was pure satire! :-)
AWWC Carl : Ofc Duck wonders: Will any of the unreleased tracks by showing up on CD singles?
LOAD Metal : Lars: there already is! Unreleased as in live stuff and demos and blah, blah, blah are all over
the singles we've never ever written a song that we didn't think was good enough to go on one of
our albums hence it's on not on any of our singles.
AWWC Carl : From IRC: Are there any things planned for release for fan club members only?
LOAD Metal : Lars: the fan can we put out last winter will hopefully be a somewhat yearly event especially if
we have cool enough things to put in it! experience?
LOAD Metal : James has just walked in the door too :-)
AWWC Carl : ACMtweene asks: How long did it take you to write this album?
LOAD Metal : James: 5 months! Which is actually quicker comparatively with the amount of songs we have this time.
AWWC Carl : From IRC: The photos in Load booklet are made by Anton Zorbin what do you think of his previous works?
LOAD Metal : Lars: I think he's probably about the best photographer out there. We've done a bunch of stuff
with him all spring and we really haven't made a decision on what to do with the videos yet.
We make that decision one at a time. I think his best previous stuff is the U2 stuff and I also
like a lot of his non musical work!
AWWC Carl : From IRC: Since the Black Album, why did it take 5 years to come out with Load?
LOAD Metal : :::: thinking ::::::
LOAD Metal : James: we were busy! Doing shows, putting out the live package, also I think 1.5 years A Year
In the Life of Metallica came out.
LOAD Metal : Lars: busy getting haircuts ;-)
LOAD Metal : James: there was some time off in there somewhere, some of us remember it some of us don't
and writing the new one significance. Five years went by pretty quick for us I know it didn't
for many of the fans but the process for us is very strong!
AWWC Carl : MESSERT wonders: What songs from LOAD are you looking forward to playinglive?
LOAD Metal : Lars: a lot of them!
LOAD Metal : James: I think we'll just have to try playing them and whatever feels best. You have an
obvious idea of what songs will work better live but in the long run you can never tell.
It's up to the song basically!
AWWC Carl : From IRC: Taking into account the unfortunate loss of Cliff, how does Jason feel now that he
has been a member of the band for so long, does he still feel as if he is the odd one out?
LOAD Metal : Lars: until we get out backup singers Jason will always be the new kid in the band forever
and ever. BUT, you gotta remember that he's been with Metallica for 10 years now and Cliff
was with Metallica for 3.5 so Jason has definitely put some time in! I think he definitely
feels by James and me taking a baby step back and letting the other two guys in, he feels
part of what is going on and a little more respected. And the whole musical trip for the
band, he's not sitting as uncomfortably as he used to. So all in all he feels much better.
Sorry, And the whole musical trip he does outside the band! ....
AWWC Carl : Staley123 wonders: Why did Lars downsize his drum set?
LOAD Metal : Lars: I was up in Seattle a couple of years ago and ended up playing Sean
from Alice in Chains drum kit and really liked the feel of smaller drums.
AWWC Carl : From IRC: James, your singing on Load is much more passionate then on previous albums, where
do you think the motivation came from? (I always knew you had it in you.)
LOAD Metal : James: being a lot more relaxed in the studio and having the songs worked out for a longer time
had a lot to do with it. Just breaking down some of the studio technical rules being out in
the tracking room standing with a cold microphone six inches away being in the control room
..... being able to concentrate on the lyrics instead of where I'm supposed to stand. These
lyrics also helped because they are so from the core inside that it was a lot more emotion to
be put into it.
AWWC Carl : From IRC: How long will your set be at the Copenhagen Rock Festival?
LOAD Metal : Lars: it will probably in the 2 hour vicinity. We'll probably play Enter Sandman Just kidding
:-) So, we'll be playing lots of stuff from all six records, covers and we'll
do our circus routine;-)
AWWC Carl : From IRC: What would you say to those fans who say you sold out with the last two albums?
LOAD Metal : Lars: we sold out pretty much everywhere we played over the last two albums ;-)
LOAD Metal :Jason has just arrived!
AWWC Carl : How has San Francisco and it's rich counter-cultural history affected your music?
LOAD Metal : James: it made me move out of the city, LOL!
AWWC Carl : What are some untrue myths about Metallica?
LOAD Metal : Lars: what we sold out!
LOAD Metal : James: that we're good ;-)
LOAD Metal : Lars: that we used to have long hair ;-)
AWWC Carl : From IRC: Why did you include the words "We're off to Never, Never Land" at the end of Kind Nothing?
LOAD Metal : James, I thought the line was so good on the last record, that I would sing it again ;-)
AWWC Carl : From IRC: Was there any anxiety after the incredible success of the Black Album...that you
wouldn't be able to top it musically or commercially?
LOAD Metal : James: musically we're pretty hard on ourselves, so that was the main pressure on us so that was
the main reason we were in it for. Popularity isn't the main concern. We're not worried about
the commercial aspect!
AWWC Ron : Do you have any closing comments?
LOAD Metal : Jason: bolt your computer down!
LOAD Metal : Lars: :::waving :::: peace and vote!
LOAD Metal : James: peace and murder Thanks!
AWWC Carl : Thank you all for coming. We're sorry we didn't get to all your questions...We literally had
thousands to go through. Goodnight everyone
James and Kirk
at the Reading Festival
August 24, 1997
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