It'll be explosive, they had said
Arpita Nath
Before the ill-fated concert scheduled in Delhi on October 28, the American thrash heavyweights did turn up at a pre-concert press conference where they spoke about how they plan to celebrate their upcoming 30-year anniversary in a big way when they head home. "We're playing in San Francisco to celebrate our 30th anniversary. It's going to be one great week, where celebrities are going to come and join us, and we'll do all the legendary stuff together," said founding member of Metallica, drummer Lars Ulrich.
Thirty successful years in a field where bands fight to stay relevant, one had to ask their success mantra. The band members insist that they realised that "Metallica is worth taking care of". "We care about each other. The bond we share with each other is another important thing that has kept us together. Metallica is a gift," said co-founder and lead vocalist, James Hetfield, adding, "We wouldn't think twice about how hard it is. Even back in the 80s, we were simply glad... Get a tour bus and win a bagel. We were outsiders - at least that felt like it when we started out. It's been surreal. If we got invited to play music in a sweaty garage in Southern California, it wouldn't matter. It's just that now we have the bonus of being famous."
About playing for the first time on Indian soil, the band looked optimistic about it just a few hours before it was to begin. "That should be interesting, playing at a place we never thought in our wildest dreams we'd go to play," Robert Trujillo, the bassist of the band said. "A lot of explosive passion - that's what we're bringing to our concerts," Ulrich added. "We want to thank our Indian fans for playing our music for all these years for us since we couldn't be here to do it for you." The band, though they haven't heard any Indian heavy metal yet, admitted that "India has some of the best musicians of the world. Two years ago we saw Zakir Hussain play the tabla, and man! He was like Slayer on steroids!" said Trujillo. Will they take back notes from here? "It is quite possible we take back a few things as influence - a reflection of India which could be used for future work," said Hetfield.
Lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, who seems to have a taste for spices, says, "I want to have a nice curry in Goa. When prompted which one, he replied, "Vindaloo."
Going on the touchy topic of Megadeth founder Dave Mustaine, an ex-member of Metallica who was famous for his drug and alcohol abuse and aggressive behaviour, who is now spilling all the beans in an autobiography, they said, "We're somewhat used to Dave selling stuff," joked Hetfield, adding, "He's excited about his own work, so we'd love for him to go out and go for it." Any regrets that he left and founded a rival band? "He left due to a sickness within... And he had to get rid of that, but we're glad that he's doing his own thing."
Talking about their album "Lulu" with The Velvet Underground's Lou Reed, that got a mixed response - some hated it and some loved it, Hetfield joked, "I love it... And hate it!" He was joined in by the other members, "We love it and hate it too! We expected it. It's not for everyone, but we had a lot of fun while making it. People focus on what the album is not. Don't judge this album by heavy metal standards and you'll understand it better," said Hetfield.
Published on: October 30 2011
Original Article: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-30/news-and-interviews/30336681_1_lars-ulrich-metallica-concert-bryan-adams/2
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