Torben Ulrich, the father of Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, has passed away at the age of 95.

In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, Lars honored his father, reflecting on Torben’s 95 years filled with adventures, unique experiences, curiosity, boundary-pushing, challenging the status quo, tennis, music, art, writing, and a notable Danish contrarian attitude. Lars expressed endless gratitude, concluding with a declaration of love for his father.

Beyond his sporting and journalistic pursuits, Torben was a musician, showcasing his talents on the clarinet and saxophone, among other instruments. In 2022, he collaborated with composer Lori Goldston on the project “Oakland Moments: Cello, Voice, Reuniting (Rejoicing).”

Described as a “long-haired, splendidly whiskered Gandalf-like figure” in Mick Wall’s 2012 book “Enter Night: A Biography of Metallica,” Torben maintained an obsession with physical and mental fitness long after his professional sports career ended.

The book quoted a 2005 interview where Torben detailed his busy lifestyle, involving tennis, music performances, writing reviews for newspapers, breakfast meetings with friends, and band practices—a whirlwind schedule that sometimes led to three or four consecutive days without sleep.