James Hetfield, hailed as “the epitome of rock and roll” by musician Tim Coffman, reflects the profound influence of Lemmy Kilmister, the iconic frontman of Motörhead. Metallica, formed by Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, found inspiration in the new wave of British heavy metal, drawn to bands like Mercyful Fate and Diamond Head.

Rock and roll’s essence, according to Hetfield, found its ultimate embodiment in Lemmy. The roots of metal and rock and roll were intertwined in the early days, sharing a penchant for loud, audacious sounds seen in classics like The Who’s ‘My Generation’ and The Rolling Stones’ ‘Satisfaction.’

As the metal genre emerged, bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin initially identified as hard rock rather than a distinct genre. In the late 1970s, Lemmy, fresh from Hawkwind, envisioned Motörhead as a heavier, more intense musical force, blending Little Richard’s sounds with the raw energy of protopunk.

Tracks like ‘Overkill’ showcased Motörhead’s pioneering approach, featuring double bass and Lemmy’s distinctive vocal style. For Hetfield, Lemmy became a significant influence when he stepped into the role of a frontman. Reflecting on Lemmy, Hetfield acknowledged, “He is the epitome of rock and roll to me. Without Motörhead, there’s certainly no Metallica.”

Listening to Motörhead’s deep cuts, Hetfield incorporated Lemmy’s guttural tone into Metallica’s celebrated material, even adopting Lemmy’s iconic muttonchops during late 1980s tours. The influence was reciprocal, with Motörhead earning a Grammy for covering Metallica’s ‘Whiplash,’ while Metallica paid tribute to Lemmy with ‘Murder One’ after his 2015 passing. Lemmy’s legacy extends beyond rock and roll, as he unwittingly gave rise to an entire genre of music.