John Bush reflects on his experience sharing the stage with Metallica during their 30th-anniversary celebrations. While it may seem unimaginable to hear anyone other than James Hetfield singing iconic early Metallica tracks like “Jump in the Fire,” “Whiplash,” and “Phantom Lord,” it’s interesting to note that Hetfield himself initially hesitated about taking on the role of the band’s lead vocalist.

Rumors once circulated about Armored Saint’s John Bush potentially joining Metallica as their vocalist, but ultimately, Hetfield continued to front the band while also handling rhythm guitar duties.

However, during Metallica’s series of concerts commemorating their three-decade mark at the Fillmore in San Francisco in December 2011, Bush had a memorable moment when he joined the band on stage to perform “The Four Horsemen.”

Reflecting on that night during an interview with That Metal Interview Podcast, Bush fondly recounted the experience. He described the Fillmore as a small venue for Metallica but emphasized the uniqueness of each night’s setlist, with even Kirk Hammett resorting to a music stand. Bush expressed gratitude for being able to open the show with Armored Saint and highlighted the honor of performing alongside Metallica.

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly Bush’s guest appearance on “The Four Horsemen.” He mentioned jokingly addressing the audience about the possibility of him being Metallica’s vocalist, adding a playful twist to the performance. Overall, Bush reminisced about the event as a fantastic memory and a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Despite his own involvement, Bush also praised the array of special guests Metallica had invited for their anniversary shows. From the late Lou Reed to Kid Rock and King Diamond, the lineup showcased an impressive array of talent. Bush expressed admiration for the diverse range of musicians who graced the stage over the weekend, including legends like Ozzy Osbourne and Rоb Halford.

In retrospect, Bush’s collaboration with Metallica stands as a memorable moment in both his career and the band’s illustrious history, adding another layer of excitement to their milestone celebration.