METALLICA’s Lars Ulrich Celebrates his 60th Birthday
On December 26, 2023, METALLICA fans around the globe celebrate the 60th birthday of the band’s legendary drummer — Lars Ulrich. A decade ago, as Ulrich approached the half-century mark, he shared his thoughts on turning 50, expressing a perspective that defied conventional attitudes towards aging.
“Meaningless” and “no real difference” were the words Ulrich used to describe the milestone. “I don’t look at age,” he explained. “I’m quite happy growing older, with the experiences and everything else that comes along with it. I’m fine. I’m a realist, if anything, so it’s fine.”
Ulrich‘s journey to becoming an iconic name in rock is as unique as his outlook on age. Hailing from Denmark, he initially ventured into the world of professional tennis during his teenage years. A potential career as a tennis star awaited him, but fate had other plans. The siren call of music proved too strong to resist.
In a twist of destiny, Ulrich, now residing in Los Angeles, placed a fateful ad in a local paper named the Recycler. He sought fellow musicians to embark on a musical journey, and the response came in the form of guitarists James Hetfield and Hugh Tanner, both from the band LEATHER CHARM.
METALLICA‘s inaugural lineup, featuring Hetfield, Ulrich, guitarist Dave Mustaine, and bassist Ron McGovney, took to the stage for the first time on March 14, 1982, at Radio City in Anaheim, California. This marked the beginning of an unparalleled journey that would define the landscape of heavy metal for decades to come.
As Lars Ulrich turns 60, it’s not just a celebration of age but a celebration of a remarkable odyssey through music and time. From the tennis courts of Denmark to the iconic stages of the world, Ulrich‘s story embodies the spirit of following one’s passion and embracing the experiences that come with each passing year. Happy 60th birthday, Lars Ulrich — a drumbeat echoing through the ages.
