Metallica, the iconic heavy metal band that has dominated the music scene for decades, owes a debt of gratitude to some of the greatest names in rock history. Lars Ulrich, the band’s drummer and co-founder, recently shared insights that shed light on the profound influence of AC/DC, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest on Metallica’s journey to superstardom.
On the 8th of October, Metallica is set to headline the Power Trip festival, a three-day extravaganza held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. This event promises to be an electrifying celebration of rock music, featuring a stellar lineup that includes Tool, Guns N’ Roses, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and the long-awaited return of AC/DC after a seven-year hiatus.
The significance of this festival cannot be overstated, and it is not just because of the star-studded cast. It’s an event that encapsulates the essence of rock and metal, with Metallica at the helm.
In an exclusive interview with the Los Angeles Times, Lars Ulrich expressed his deep admiration for Metallica’s fellow Power Trip headliners. He reminisced about witnessing AC/DC’s explosive performance in Copenhagen in 1977, a moment that left an indelible mark on his musical journey. Metallica later embarked on a European tour with AC/DC in 1991, solidifying their connection to the legendary rockers.
Ulrich’s affection for Guns N’ Roses was equally palpable. He vividly recalled the moment he heard “Mr. Brownstone” on KNAC before the release of their 1987 debut album. It was love at first listen, and Metallica’s affinity for Guns N’ Roses grew ever since.
The ’80s saw Metallica sharing the stage with Iron Maiden, an experience that undoubtedly left a lasting impression. They also had the privilege of performing alongside Judas Priest, another titan of the metal world. Tool, a band that continues to push the boundaries of progressive metal, joined Metallica on numerous occasions, forging a mutual respect.
AC/DC, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest occupy a special place in the hearts of metal enthusiasts worldwide. These bands laid the foundation for the genre, inspiring countless musicians and shaping the future of rock music.
Metallica’s Lars Ulrich acknowledges this debt of inspiration, saying, “Obviously, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest were huge influences. Those three bands are a significant part of the reason that we wanted to be in a band. So to get everybody together in the same space is a bit awe-inspiring.”
Ulrich’s reverence for these bands and the Power Trip festival itself highlights the unique qualities that set it apart from other music events. He mentioned attending the Desert Trip festival in 2016, which featured iconic acts like the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Neil Young. However, Power Trip has its own distinct charm.
Desert Trip was a spectacle in its own right, but Power Trip offers something different. It’s not just another festival; it’s a gathering of legends in the world of hard rock. The Empire Polo Club, steeped in music history, serves as the perfect backdrop for this epic event.
Ulrich explained, “It’s a great site, with a lot of music history. Subsequently, there was some chatter about doing a hard rock version; the offer finally came in six or nine months ago. As a fan of hard rock, I’m going to be there the whole weekend and see every band.”
In contrast to Metallica’s current M72 World Tour, which features two ‘no repeat’ shows in each pit stop, Power Trip will showcase only one performance from the iconic band. This makes their appearance at the festival all the more special, a unique opportunity for fans to witness Metallica in all its glory.
Metallica has already headlined the Download Festival earlier this year, proving that their live performances are as mesmerizing as ever.
In conclusion, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich has shed light on the profound influence of AC/DC, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest on the band’s musical journey. These legendary bands not only inspired Metallica but also shaped the landscape of rock and metal music.
The Power Trip festival is poised to be a monumental event, bringing together some of the biggest names in rock history. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of rock music and the impact it has had on generations of fans and musicians alike.
