MET CLUB is Lars Ulrich

AOLiveMC4:
Good evening and welcome to Center Stage Lars Ulrich! 

MET CLUB:
Hi. Lars here, live from NYC. 

AOLiveMC4:
Ready for some audience questions Lars? 

MET CLUB:
Ready to go. 

Question:
Lars, how long do you guys get to play for Lollapalooza and will there be a snake pit? 

MET CLUB:
We will be playing for 90 minutes and there will be no snake pit. 

Question:
What will the new album be like? Will there be any instrumentals? What is it's title? 

MET CLUB:
The title is "LOAD". It is amazing. The best thing we've done since the last album and there are a lot of instrumental bits between the vocals. 

Question:
About the new logo, will it be on the next album cover? What will the cover look like? 

MET CLUB:
The new logo will definitely be part of the album package. The cover will be a photo that is really cool and in a warped way, could tie in with the title. 

Question:
What do you think about some of these new, no hair, grungy looking bands today? 

MET CLUB:
They should shower. 

Question:
Lars, I was wondering if you could tell us what inspired Metallica to take part in Lollapalooza 1996? 

MET CLUB:
A desire to try something different, going into uncharted territory, to play with bands that we would not normally get to play with, and the fun of a live experience that is new to us. 

Question:
Are you going to do any videos this time around? Please say no! 

MET CLUB:
Ok... no... Sorry I am lying. We are just talking about that as we are speaking... nothing definitive yet 

Question:
May I ask why you downsized your set Lars? 

MET CLUB:
I was hanging out in Seattle with my friend Jerry, from "Alice in Chains" and we went down to their practice room for a jam and I played on Shawns's drums and I really loved playing on the smaller drums. I went back to SF and downsized my own kit. 

Question:
Lars, tell us about the most memorable moment of your career? 

MET CLUB:
Talking on AOL right now, or getting my hair cut. 

Question:
Hi Lars, this is Stephan from MD, What were the main influences for the new album? 

MET CLUB:
Bombay Sapphire Gin and generally just trying to loosen up. Once again as with every record we have ever done, follow our instincts and just play what our hearts tell us to do. 

Question:
Lars, do you plan on doing another tour for "LOAD" other than Lollapalooza? 

MET CLUB:
After Lolla, we go overseas for the rest of the year but anybody who knows our previous touring escapades will probably guess what happens next. 

Question:
Can you give a hint to any of the other song names/subjects for "LOAD"? 

MET CLUB:
Don't tell anyone but...a couple of other song titles are.. "Cure"..."Until It Sleeps" and "King Nothing" 

Question:
Why did you guys cut your hair? 

MET CLUB:
To give you guys something to talk about and... for no other reason than I wanted to. 

Question:
Lars, after all of the live material you guys have put out, is there any song from your earlier records that you may play for the first time on tour this time around? 

MET CLUB:
Good question. I think there will be and I already have one potential in mind, but I can guarantee that there will be some surprises next time you see us live. 

Question:
Lars, I'm 13, and all of my friends have been telling me that you guys are going "alternative." PLEASE tell me that isn't true. I've got all your albums, "Binge & Purge", etc. Thanks. 

MET CLUB:
We are not going "anything", this is the 15th year of us doing what we have always done and the only thing we know how to do, which is be Metallica. 

Question:
Lars, Metallica obviously hasn't reached its peak yet, with every record doing better than the last... what are your feelings on this? 

MET CLUB:
Is that a question from Bob Rock? Aa with any record, my feelings are that this is the best record we can make at this time, whatever happens... happens. 


Lars Private Chat #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 Private Chat #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.