Metallica Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Metallica
Metallica at the 2024 Gershwin Prize ceremony. From left to right: Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich, Robert Trujillo and James Hetfield.
Background information
Origin	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Heavy metal thrash metal speed metal hard rock
Years active	1981–present
Labels	Megaforce Elektra Vertigo Warner Bros. Blackened

Members	James Hetfield Lars Ulrich Kirk Hammett Robert Trujillo

Past members	Dave Mustaine Ron McGovney Cliff Burton Jason Newsted

Metallica is a famous American heavy metal band. They started in 1981 in Los Angeles, California. The band was formed by singer and guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich. For most of their career, they have been based in San Francisco.

Metallica is known for its fast songs, amazing instrumentals, and powerful music. This style made them one of the "big four" bands of thrash metal. The other three bands are Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer. Today, Metallica's lineup includes founding members James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich. It also features longtime lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo. Some past members include guitarist Dave Mustaine (who later formed Megadeth) and bassists Ron McGovney, Cliff Burton, and Jason Newsted.

The band first became very popular with their third album, Master of Puppets, released in 1986. Many people say this is one of the best heavy metal albums ever. Their next album, ...And Justice for All (1988), earned them their first Grammy Award nomination. In 1991, they released their fifth album, Metallica, often called "The Black Album." This album was a big change for the band. They moved a bit from their thrash metal sound and became popular with more people. It sold over 16 million copies in the United States, making it one of the best-selling albums ever.

After trying different music styles, Metallica returned to their thrash metal roots with Death Magnetic in 2008. Fans loved it, saying it was like their early albums. Their newest album, 72 Seasons, came out in 2023.

In 2000, Metallica was involved in a big case against Napster. Napster was a service that let people share music files online. Metallica and other artists sued Napster for sharing their music without permission. They eventually reached an agreement. In 2004, a well-known documentary film called Metallica: Some Kind of Monster was released. It showed the band's struggles while making their album St. Anger (2003). In 2009, Metallica was honored by being added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Metallica has released many albums and songs. They have eleven studio albums, four live albums, and many singles and music videos. They have won nine Grammy Awards and had six albums in a row reach number one on the Billboard charts. Metallica is one of the most successful bands of all time, selling over 125 million albums worldwide. Magazines like Rolling Stone have called them one of the greatest artists ever.

Metallica's Impact and Achievements
Meet the Band Members
- Metallica's Band Member Timeline
Metallica's Albums
Awards and Recognitions
Images for kids
See also

Metallica's Impact and Achievements

Metallica has had a huge impact on music. They are seen as one of the most important heavy metal bands ever. They are also one of the "big four" bands that helped create thrash metal.

The band has sold more than 125 million records around the world. This makes them one of the most successful bands in music history.
On April 4, 2009, Metallica was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. This is a very special honor for musicians.
MTV ranked Metallica as the third "Greatest Heavy Metal Band in History."
VH1 also listed Metallica as one of the top "100 Greatest Artists of All Time." They were also named the number one "20 Greatest Metal Bands."
Metallica has appeared on TV shows. They were guest stars on The Simpsons in 2006. Their voices were also used in the animated show Metalocalypse.
On March 7, 1999, Metallica was added to the San Francisco Walk of Fame. The mayor of San Francisco even declared that day "Official Metallica Day."
In 2003, the band received the MTV Icon award. A concert was held where other artists performed Metallica's songs to honor them.
Several of Metallica's songs have been featured in the popular Guitar Hero video game series.

Meet the Band Members

This section introduces the musicians who have been part of Metallica.

Current Members

James Hetfield – He sings lead vocals and plays rhythm guitar. He has been with the band since 1981.
Kirk Hammett – He plays lead guitar and sings backing vocals. He joined in 1983.
Robert Trujillo – He plays bass and sings backing vocals. He joined the band in 2003.
Lars Ulrich – He plays drums. He has been with the band since 1981.

Session/Touring Musicians

Bob Rock – He played bass for a short time from 2001 to 2003.

Former Members

Dave Mustaine – He played lead guitar and sang backing vocals from 1981 to 1983.
Ron McGovney – He played bass and sang backing vocals from 1981 to 1982.
Cliff Burton – He played bass and sang backing vocals from 1982 until his death in 1986.
Jason Newsted – He played bass and sang backing vocals from 1986 to 2001.

Metallica's Band Member Timeline

This timeline shows when each member was part of the band.

Metallica's Albums

Here is a list of Metallica's main studio albums:

Kill 'Em All (1983)
Ride the Lightning (1984)
Master of Puppets (1986)
...And Justice for All (1988)
Metallica (1991)
Load (1996)
Reload (1997)
St. Anger (2003)
Death Magnetic (2008)
Hardwired... to Self-Destruct (2016)
72 Seasons (2023)

Awards and Recognitions

Metallica has won many awards for their music, including several Grammy Awards:

1990: Best Metal Performance for "One"
1991: Best Metal Performance for "Stone Cold Crazy"
1992: Best Metal Performance for the album Metallica
1999: Best Metal Performance for "Better than You"
2000: Best Hard Rock Performance for "Whiskey in the Jar"
2001: Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "The Call of Ktulu" (with Michael Kamen and the San Francisco Symphony)
2004: Best Metal Performance for "St. Anger"
2009: Best Metal Performance for "My Apocalypse"
2009: Best Recording Package for Death Magnetic
2024: Best Metal Performance for "72 Seasons"

Images for kids

Dave Mustaine (pictured in 2009) went on to found rival band Megadeth after being fired from the band in 1983.
Kirk Hammett (pictured in 2010) replaced Mustaine in 1983, and has been with the band ever since.
Cliff Burton (pictured in 1985) replaced Ron McGovney as the bassist in 1982 and played with the band until his death in 1986.
Jason Newsted (pictured in 2013) joined Metallica soon after Cliff Burton's death in 1986.
Metallica performing during its Damaged Justice Tour in 1988.
James Hetfield performing with the band during its tour for Load in 1996.
Lars Ulrich led the case against Napster for Metallica.
Longtime producer Bob Rock recorded bass for St. Anger following Newsted's departure in 2001.
Robert Trujillo joined Metallica in 2003 after the recording of St. Anger.
Metallica performing in London in 2008
Metallica performing in London in 2009
Metallica performing in Sacramento in 2009
Metallica performing in Bangalore in 2011
Metallica at the San Diego Comic-Con International in 2013
Metallica performing in London in 2017
Metallica performing in Milan in 2019

Metallica facts for kids

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