Metallica’s Lars Ulrich has certainly had his fair share of critics over the years. Being the drummer for one of the most successful heavy metal bands in the world, it unfortunately comes with the territory.
Lars has had quite a few allies in recent months, however, including Gojira drummer Mario Duplainter, former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted and Slipknot’s Corey Taylor — all of whom had high praise for the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer.
Former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo was also recently asked by Metal Hammer if Ulrich gets unfairly dismissed by many metal fans.
“Absolutely,” Lombardo said. “I saw Mario Duplantier recently talking about Lars, saying some kind words. I feel Lars is an essential part of that band — anybody else and it just won’t sound the same.”
“I admonish the people who talk sh*t about him, I don’t like that. You have to embrace who Lars is, and his contribution to Metallica’s sound. They’re such an inspirational band, and everybody wants to be as big as they are, and you can only do that by taking risks. They shocked people when they cut their hair or whatever, but it was part of their evolution and they clearly knew what they were doing. I love that they’re still out there kicking *ss.”
Lombardo previously had high praise for Ulrich. “I think Lars is a good drummer. He’s a good arranger. He arranges… Without Lars, there wouldn’t be a Metallica. So you have to give him credit for what he does for the band.”
Lombardo actually filled in for a portion of Metallica’s 2004 Download Festival setlist when Ulrich was forced to miss the show due to exhaustion.
