Metallica’s producer recalls Lou Reed disliking a solo idea from Kirk Hammett, revealing why Lars Ulrich felt uneasy during the making of ‘Lulu’

Metallica’s collaboration with Lou Reed on the album “Lulu” remаins one of the most peculiar undertakings in their extensive career. Greg Fidelman, who served as the producer for the project and now holds a key role in Metallica’s studio and live endeavors, recently shared insights into the making of this divisive album.

Reflecting on the inception of “Lulu,” Fidelman admitted, “We didn’t really know what to expect.” This uncertainty posed a challenge for Metallica, a band accustomed to maintaining strict control over their creative process. Fidelman elaborated on the effect this unpredictability had on drummer Lars Ulrich, noting that it made him uneasy, as Metallica typically thrived on having a clear direction.

Despite the apprehension within Metallica’s ranks, the spontaneity of the collaboration with Lou Reed lent a unique energy to the project. Fidelman recounted moments where Reed’s unconventional approach surprised even the seasoned members of Metallica. In one instance, Reed’s immediate enthusiasm for a spontaneous jam session left Ulrich bewildered, highlighting the contrast in their working styles.

The unorthodox nature of the collaboration extended to the recording process, with Reed eschewing traditional methods in favor of a more impromptu approach. Fidelman recalled instances where Reed preferred to sing in the same room as the band, reminiscent of guitarist Kirk Hammett’s usual setup. Despite initial uncertainty, Reed’s instinctual approach to music-making resonated with the band members and led to moments of unexpecteԀ inspiration.

However, the collaboration was not without its challenges. Fidelman revealed an amusing anecdote where Reed interrupted Hammett’s solo, humorously criticizing its Middle Eastern influence as “belly dancing sҺit.” Despite such moments of tension, Fidelman emphasized that Metallica ultimately found value in the experience, learning to embrace the spontaneity and experimentation that defined the “Lulu” project.

In retrospect, “Lulu” stands as a testament to the willingness of artists to push boundaries and explore new creative frontiers, even at the rιsk of polarizing audiences. While the album may not have been universally embraced, its legacy as a daring artistic venture remаins intact, providing insight into the collaborative dynamics between two iconic musical entities.