Meta Description: Lars Ulrich, Metallica’s legendary drummer, shares his top 5 bands of all time, including a surprising modern act alongside classic rock legends. Discover which bands influenced the metal icon.
Lars Ulrich’s Top 5 Bands of All Time: A Metallica Icon’s Influences
As Metallica’s drummer and a lifelong music aficionado, Lars Ulrich has witnessed the rise and fall of countless great bands. Since forming Metallica in San Francisco in 1981, Ulrich and his bandmates have played a pivotal role in shaping the metal genre, blending hardcore punk with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Their unique sound, first showcased in their 1983 debut album Kill ‘Em All, quickly captured the imaginations of fans and solidified Metallica as one of the most influential bands of the decade.
The Best Bands Lars Ulrich Has Ever Seen
Ulrich’s journey with Metallica saw him share the stage with many legendary acts. When asked in a 2022 interview with Classic Rock to name the five best bands he’s ever seen, Ulrich’s choices reflect his deep roots in classic rock and metal. His list includes Motörhead, AC/DC, Deep Purple, and Thin Lizzy—bands that played a significant role in the development of metal. However, what stands out is his inclusion of a modern act, Rage Against the Machine, a rap-metal band that fused hardcore energy with metal muscle and politically charged lyrics.
Ulrich stated, “Motörhead, AC/DC, Rage Against The Machine, Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy. I don’t know if one is better than the other, but I was fortunate enough to see all of them very early.” This selection not only highlights the influence these bands had on Metallica but also showcases Ulrich’s appreciation for groundbreaking music across different eras.
AC/DC: A Lifelong Influence on Lars Ulrich
While Ulrich’s list is full of iconic bands, it’s clear that AC/DC holds a special place in his heart. In late 2023, he revealed that watching AC/DC perform at the Power Trip festival made him “misty-eyed,” a testament to his enduring love for the band. Ulrich’s admiration for AC/DC dates back to his early years, long before Metallica became a global phenomenon. This connection to AC/DC is a reminder of the powerful impact music can have on an artist’s life and career.
