James Hetfield Reveals Lars Ulrich’s Rehearsal Transformation in Recent Years

Metallica recently graced the Power Trip festival alongside iconic bands like Gu𝚗s N’ Roses, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Judas Priest, and Tool. During an interview on The Metallica Report podcast, frontman James Hetfield shared insights into his inspiration drawn from other bands at Power Trip. He also disclosed a surprising fact about Metallica’s drummer, Lars Ulrich, and his rehearsal habits.

Hetfield commenced the discussion by revealing that Lars Ulrich began actively rehearsing with Metallica only around four or five years ago. This revelation sheds light on Ulrich’s previous approach to drumming, hinting that he might have relied on a more spontaneous method before embracing regular rehearsals.

“An interesting fact: Lars never rehearsed ever until — I don’t know — I’d sаy maybe four or five years ago, he started really getting into rehearsing,” explained Hetfield. “And now he’ll — I meаn, he’ll rehearse four days for a two-hour set, which is what he needs to do, which is awesome.”

For the Power Trip festival, Hetfield expressed his desire to rehearse closer to the event to enjoy the performances of other bands. Ulrich accommodated this request, demonstrating a newfound dedication to rehearsals. The band set up rehearsals at a location closer to the festival, allowing them to watch performances from iconic bands like Iron Maiden.

Reflecting on the experience, Hetfield expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness legendary bands and be inspired by their enduring energy on stage. Despite Metallica’s status as headliners, Hetfield emphasized their role as fans, enjoying the festival and relishing the chance to be part of a musical community.

The Power Trip festival provided Metallica with a nostalgic experience reminiscent of their early days, where they would play early on and then immerse themselves in the performances of other bands. The camaraderie and shared passion for music among the festival-goers created a unique and enjoyable weekend for Metallica.

In conclusion, James Hetfield’s revelation about Lars Ulrich’s shift towards regular rehearsals highlights the band’s commitment to musical excellence and continuous improvement, even after decades of success. The Power Trip festival served as both a platform for Metallica to showcase their prowess and a source of inspiration from fellow musical legends.