Producer Discusses Impact of Recording ‘Lulu’ on Metallica: ‘It Was a Completely New Experience for Everyone’

Metallica’s album “Lulu” has often been a subject of contention among fans, frequently labeled as one of the band’s weaker efforts alongside “St. Anger”. Despite this, producer Greg Fidelman sheds light on how the experience of recording “Lulu” played a pivotal role in shaping Metallica’s trajectory and their subsequent album, “Hardwired… to Self-Destruct”.

Kirk Hammett acknowledged the divisive nature of albums like “Lulu” and “St. Anger”, emphasizing the importance of having such experimental ventures within their discography. Indeed, the collaboration with Lou Reed on “Lulu” marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership between Metallica and Greg Fidelman, who had previously worked as an engineer on “Deаth Magnetic”, produced by Rick Rubin.

In a recent discussion on The Metallica Report podcast, Fidelman highlighted how working on “Lulu” contributed to building trust between him and the band. He expressed uncertainty about whether the subsequent project, “Hardwired… to Self-Destruct”, would have unfolded in the same manner without this newfound confidence.

Reflecting on the recording process, Fidelman reminisced about the seamless experience of working on the title track of “Hardwired… to Self-Destruct”. He noted that as their collaboration progressed, there was a growing mutual understanding that eliminated the need for extensive discussions or doubts.

A significant aspect of recording “Lulu” was navigating the artistic visions of both Lou Reed and Metallica. Fidelman described it as a learning curve for everyone involved, highlighting the importance of maintaining open communication and flexibility in creative endeavors.

Ultimately, the experience of recording “Lulu” not only challenged Metallica artistically but also fostered a sense of confidence and collaboration that carried over into future projects. It served as a stepping stone towards the band’s continued evolution and experimentation in their music.