Lars Ulrich, the renowned drummer of Metallica, has consistently been transparent about the musicians who have influenced him profoundly. Among these influential figures are iconic names like John Bonham from Led Zeppelin and the late Neil Peart from Rush.

Ulrich has always been vocal about his admiration for Neil Peart, acknowledging the significant impact Peart had on his own musical journey. Peart’s mastery of the drums and his willingness to share his knowledge with younger generations left an indelible mark on Ulrich and many others in the music world.

The passing of Neil Peart deeply affected Ulrich, prompting him to express his gratitude and admiration for Peart’s contributions to drumming in a heartfelt social media post. Ulrich recounted their initial encounter in 1984, facilitated by Metallica’s manager who had connections with Rush. This meeting led to a conversation between Ulrich and Peart about drumming, particularly focusing on gear and techniques.

Reflecting on the influence of Peart and Bonham, Ulrich finds it challenging to choose between the two drumming legends. He acknowledges the technical brilliance of Ian Paice from Deep Purple and Phil Rudd from AC/DC, adding them to the list of drummers he admires. Ultimately, when pressed to choose between Peart and Bonham, Ulrich leans towards Bonham, recognizing his groove and impact on classic tracks like “When The Levee Breaks.”

In summary, Lars Ulrich’s appreciation for drumming excellence extends to a diverse range of talents, with Neil Peart holding a special place in his musical heart alongside other legendary figures like John Bonham.