The member of Metallica whom a producer labeled as ‘useless’

In the realm of great rock and roll bands, there often emerges a weak link that can either drag the entire ensemble down or, if addressed, lead to remarkable growth. For Metallica during the 1980s, their drummer Lars Ulrich was perceived by the band’s producer as a potential stumbling block, requiring significant improvement in his drumming skills.

Even before Metallica officially began, doubts about Ulrich’s drumming abilities surfaced. James Hetfield, the band’s vocalist and guitarist, initially found their jam sessions disastrоus. Ulrich’s equipment constantly fell over, requiring Hetfield to maintain rhythm on the guitar amid the drummer’s distractions.

Despite the initial challenges, Hetfield and Ulrich developed a chemistry that became a defining element in Metallica’s sound. Rather than focusing on traditional musical elements, Ulrich acted as an overseer, shaping the overall needs of each song. His influence was evident in persuading Kirk Hammett to restructure the riff of “Enter Sandman,” transforming it into the iconic heavy metal anthem we know today.

Metallica’s debut album, “Kιll ‘Em All,” recorded on a shoestring budget, showcased the imperfections of their early years. Ulrich’s drumming struggles, combined with messy solo tracks from Hammett, revealed the band’s learning curve. Despite their limitations, the album marked the beginning of Metallica’s journey.

With increased financial resources for “Ride the Lightning,” Metallica enlisted producer Flemming Rasmussen, renowned for crafting the perfect tones for the band. Rasmussen’s collaboration with Metallica produced some of their most celebrated work, including the masterpiece “Master of Puppets.”

Upon entering the studio, Rasmussen was shocked by Ulrich’s difficulty in maintaining proper timing. Instead of focusing on achieving the right drum sound, the initial hours were spent addressing Ulrich’s timing issues. Rasmussen candidly expressed his initial impression, deeming Ulrich “absolutely useless” and recounting an amusing exchange about the concept of the upbeat.

Despite the producer’s concerns, Metallica, with Rasmussen’s guidance, overcame Ulrich’s unconventional drumming style. The impromptu drum lessons in the studio inadvertently led to experimentation with different time signatures, particularly evident in albums like “…And Justice For All.” Metallica’s willingness to push musical boundaries meant that for Ulrich, common time was more of a suggestion than a strict rule.

In the end, Metallica’s journey with Lars Ulrich’s drumming challenges proved transformative, showcasing the band’s resilience and innovation in overcoming obstacles to become one of the most influential metal bands in history.