The Complicated Metallica Tracks Lars Ulrich Dislikes Performing Live

Despite achieving monumental success as part of the heavy metal icons Metallica, Lars Ulrich has always maintained a deep-rooted affection for rock music. Even amidst the band’s meteoric rise to fаme, Ulrich continued to revel in the performances of his beloved rock bands with the fervor of a dedicated fan.

Metallica’s musical influences can be traced back to the legendary heavy metal bands of the 1970s, including Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Judas Priest, and Motörhead. These foundational acts played a pivotal role in shaping the gritty, edgy, and captivating genre of metal, profoundly influencing the musical sensibilities of James Hetfield, Ulrich, and Kirk Hammett when they formed the band in 1983.

However, being an integral part of one of the most prominent rock bands comes with its own set of challenges. It often entails a strugglе to achieve perfection on stage as the band members navigate through an extensive repertoire of fan favorites. Following the release of St. Anger, Ulrich spoke about the difficulties they faced while performing four of the new songs live.

He explained: “‘Unnamed Feeling’ is one of those songs where any mistake can throw it off course easily. With multiple elements at play—vocals, guitar, counter melodies—any deviation can disrupt the entire performance. ‘Ԁirty Window’ has a distinct rhythm, amplified by the presence of the cowbell and a guitar solo.”

Acknowledging the challenges of performing specific songs live is not uncommon among band members. Kirk Hammett, too, encounters similar difficulties at times. The colossal descending riff in ‘My Apocalypse’ from Deаth Magnetic, accompanied by Hetfield’s synchronized growls, presents a particular challenge for him.

Hammett recalled: “That riff is crucial for me every night because I’m the only one playing it. If I don’t practice it diligently, I’m likely to mess it up.” While Deаth Magnetic may not have received universal acclaim like some of Metallica’s earlier albums, it wasn’t meant to replicate their past successes. Following the tumultuous journey of St. Anger, Deаth Magnetic served as evidence that Metallica had not veered off their artistic path.

As Ulrich once stated: “You can’t appreciate Deаth Magnetic and the choices made on that record without considering St. Anger. They’re all interconnected, forming part of a larger narrative. I’ve learned to embrace the entire journey.”