Photo: Press
Lars Ulrich says the days of the kinds of bands you couldn't take your eye off like Guns N' Roses, Nirvana or Oasis are gone as he bemoans the fact there are no modern bands who inspire him anymore.
In an interview with Noisey, the Metallica drummer said: "Ten years ago or 30 years ago, it was different. Like, 'Oh my god, Guns N' Roses. Oh my God, who are these Nirvana guys! Oasis!'”
He continued: "You were hearing about it, and you wanted to meet them. Nowadays, there aren't any bands that have had that impact on me. The last time where I was like, 'Holy f***! This really inspires me,' was this band called The Sword, from Austin, Texas. Stoner rock, kind of a modern Black Sabbath. Super cool. They showed up seven or eight years ago, and I just had to bring these guys on tour.”
The always outspoken rocker then added: "There is a Norwegian band called Kvelertak. These bands are few and far between nowadays. This is not a black-and-white statement. I know more about film than I do about music because I follow it more. That doesn't mean if something awesome came and slapped me in the face. then I wouldn't embrace it; it just shows up less and less."
Metallica, Iron Maiden, Guns ‘n’ Roses and even veterans The Rolling Stones are still making multi-millions, selling very well-received albums and touring the world.
Lars has a good point to make as the loss of a great many live venues across the globe has led to fewer up and coming bands getting the chance to ply their trade, hone their act and gain a following. The advent of social media has seen a great many acts resort to promoting themselves via that and hope they get noticed.
But we have to hold out hope that there are a new breed of rock legends (to be) on the horizon as our heroes cannot hold on forever.
Each year sees a great many pass away, retire or reduce their work rate to the odd album and live show. Someone has to take their place!
Meanwhile, Metallica are on a world tour. Check here for ticket information.
11 Jan Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome, South Korea
15 Jan Shanghai Mercedes Benz Arena, China
18 Jan Beijing Le Sports Center, China
20 Jan Check Lap Kok Asia Word Expo, Hong Kong
22 Jan Singapore Indoor Stadium
03 Feb Copenhagen Royal Arena, Denmark
05 Feb Copenhagen Royal Arena, Denmark
07 Feb Copenhagen Royal Arena, Denmark
09 Feb Copenhagen Royal Arena, Denmark
01 Mar Mexico City Foro Sol, Mexico
03 Mar Mexico City Foro Sol, Mexico
