James Hetfield Biography

Metallica is formed by guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield and Danish-born drummer Lars Ulrich, after both had placed classified advertisements in the publication The Recycler about forming a band

Metallica travel to the New York Tri-State Region at the urging of promoters Jon and Marsha Zazula, after a few gigs the band sign with the Zazulas' new label, Megaforce Records

The band travelled to Rochester, New York to record their first album, "Metal Up Your Ass", however, due to conflict with the record label regarding the title, the album is later renamed Kill 'Em All.

Ulrich and Hetfield decide Mustaine's aggressive and disruptive behaviour (related to alcohol and drug use) is too much to handle, Kirk Hammett is brought in from the band Exodus to replace Mustaine, who creates Megadeth.

Metallica release Ride the Lightning, The albums inclusion of a slower, more introspective song, "Fade to Black", sets Metallica apart from other thrash bands

When Ride the Lightning caught the attention of major labels, Metallica sign with Elektra Records, their first release with Elektra is Master of Puppets, which serves as their breakthrough album

..And Justice for All, the first studio album since Burtons death, was released, the album was a massive commercial success, reaching number 6 on The Billboard 200, their first album to reach the top 10

Metallica release their self-titled album, Metallica (popularly known as The Black Album by fans), which includes songs such as "Enter Sandman", "Nothing Else Matters", "Sad But True," "The Unforgiven," "Holier Than Thou," and "Wherever I May Roam."

Metallica is inducted into the San Francisco Walk of Fame

Metallica records two performances with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, then conducted by Michael Kamen, Kamen, had previously worked with Bob Rock on "Nothing Else Matters"

Metallicas eighth full-length recording, St. Anger, debuts at number one on the album charts