Metallica's Lars Ulrich 'Regressed' At Drumming

Metallica's Lars Ulrich feels he's "regressed", when it comes to playing drums.

The sticksman may have been with the band for 30 years, but joked he doesn't feel like he's getting better with age.

When asked about his abilities, he told Drum! magazine: "I usually feel like I've regressed. I'm like, 'Why can't I do that anymore?'"

Lars, 48, admitted he doesn't regularly practice in order to get better, but uses the drums as a workout.

He added: "What happens is I just sit down and kind of play to just more stay in shape. You know, Metallica was up to two or three months off last year, and I would sit down, I have an iPod next to my drums so I can play along to all kind of crazy stuff, but I can't say that I sit down to necessarily practice to sort of get better."

He also talked about how he was excited when listening back to tracks on the band's "Beyond Magnetic" EP - recorded during sessions for their "Death Magnetic" album in 2007 and 2008 - and how lively the results were.

He said: "I thought there was a really good, lively vibe - it's a bunch of guys just playing together, and it sounded really full of energy and spunk and liveliness.

"The one thing I'm really proud of with the 'Death Magnetic' album is just how f--king lively it sounds. How it doesn't sound careful, it doesn't sound stale."

Thanks for the report to ContactMusic.com.

Comments

[Crazyxadamx]

He might just be on to something...

[metallica_102]

What a revelation!

[harvMM7x]

You don't say?

[Glass Prisoner]

Wow! You don't keep up the practice at something and you lose your skills?? Who knew!

[john_kimble]

What's greater than the egomaniac's self-admission is that UG posted yet another picture of one of his stupid drumming faces.

[RichieJovie]

it's a bunch of guys just playing together, really full of spunk.

Ok If you say so Lars.

[Agent 00Awesome]

We know Lars, we know.

[Vinjar]

am I the only one who thought "who the **** sits down and listens to their own music and says it sounds dope?"
if it took him this long to realize how bad he is at drumming we sure can't take his word on the new album!

[jameshudson92]

So do we.

[ChemicalFire]

Nooooo.

Really?

¬_¬

[BwareDWare94]

I think the question is...how DID he regress? Was there anywhere to go?

I mean, it's not like his band members have always been miles ahead of him on their own instruments, right?

[WHEEZE2112]

I don't see why people have a go at lars yes his drumming isn't amazing as Neil Pearts or Mike Portnoy but here is the thing your here reading this and he is in a mansion with millions of dollars and playing stadiums

[biff022]

He regressed completely the day after the recording for AJFA was done.

[slipknot836]

I honestly feel kinda bad for him... Feeling like you've gotten worse over time must suck. Listening to their older stuff to their newer stuff you can tell. Even back then he wasn't a phenomenal drummer, but icon in the 80's.

He was never a shit drummer though(as most people say he is), he just wasn't as complex as he could be or as good as other drummers in the metal genre. He's not a big influence on drumming in my opinion but he still deserves credit.

[EpiExplorer]

UG has taken up the mantle of, CAPTAIN OBVIOUS!

ALSO, INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY.

[Dynamight]

Regressed eh? It wasn't that great to begin with, so it's no big deal.

But, Metallica were never about technicality, which might have something to do with how popular they are (most people don't like technicality.)

[JustStayDown90]

It's not too late. I saw that video of him playing a double bass segment of Raining Blood, and he did well. He also does adequately on Fight Fire with Fire.

You just need to start practising, Lars. Maybe get a tutor to show you ways to improve your stamina. And if there's one thing I don't like about your drumming the last few years, it's the fact you constantly add fills when playing the songs, kind of ruining them.

[wembly]

Vinjar wrote:

am I the only one who thought "who the **** sits down and listens to their own music and says it sounds dope?"
if it took him this long to realize how bad he is at drumming we sure can't take his word on the new album!

People who like the music they make...

[jinsu2301]

I'm usually a not one of those who hate on Lars, and actually like his style, but yeah, let's call it "regress" '

[Emberwolf06]

Ahh, I love spending my morning watching jealous Metallica haters bash a drummer who has never claimed to be the best. Remember folks, if you were as good, you'd be the one playing stadiums for 20 years

[Oujou]

Now he just has to decide to fix that.

[super_strat]

Vinjar wrote:

am I the only one who thought "who the **** sits down and listens to their own music and says it sounds dope?"
if it took him this long to realize how bad he is at drumming we sure can't take his word on the new album!

If you don't think your own music sounds good, why would you make that music in the first place?

[whywefight]

uhoh.... his ego has become self-aware

[crocoscar]

Lars Ulrich is maybe not the best drummer on earth, technically speaking, yet he is an incredible composer (he is credited for most Metallica songs alongside Hetfield) and he suits the band's style very well, so quit bitching about how he screws up a double bass roll on One or Fight Fire With Fire occasionnaly ...

[thetoasteroven]

this actually made me respect lars some the fact that he has balls enough to admit it is awsome

[Maiden95]

Loving the fact that UG put Lars in the best drummer poll yesterday and then posts this today.

Not hating on Lars (if you read my comments in the drummer poll article you'll know why) but it's kinda obvious news. But I will say, the live videos as of late of him playing have been great.

[wembly]

And now this "News article" is going to be full of butt hurt people who aren't fans of Metallica, and think which ever band they listen to should be more popular than them. I wish there were more actual discussions on Ultimate guitar news, rather than the insightful comments such as:

"Regressed eh? It wasn't that great to begin with, so it's no big deal.

But, Metallica were never about technicality, which might have something to do with how popular they are (most people don't like technicality.)"

-.-

[ChucklesMginty]

It pisses me off so much when they start a song 40bpm faster than the studio version... Then they reach a more difficult section so Lars slows down. If you can't play the whole song at that tempo, don't start it off that way.

[a drummer]

Modern drummers have set a high bar for metal drumming. Most modern metal bands have a ridiculous drummer, or if thats not the case, they program ridiculous drumming. So naturally, people who listen to that regularly will think the drumming is weak when they listen to some older metal like Metallica.

I can honestly say though Lar's drumming isn't very good, i've even seen a video of Hetfield stating that, and now he's realizing this. BUT like said above, his compositions are such an important factor to Metallica, and a reason why he's regarded as a "great."

[ken_imp]

I believe at a certain point you cant get any more better.
It is the way it is. Its about finding your own style, otherwise all the people will play THE EXACT SAME THING.
One of the most beatifull things in music is the divercity. Lets not change that.

[Skarson]

guys. GUYS. he can't even play to a click.

[KJP]

I'm tired of reading about how crap a drummer Lars supposedly is. He's got a very simplistic style but the way people bang on about it you'd think he loses the beat and drops his sticks every other song.


For the record, he doesn't.

[SOAD_SoG]

Well atleast he knows he is a bad drummer. He should practice to get better.

[Fishybones]

Dynamight wrote:

Regressed eh? It wasn't that great to begin with, so it's no big deal.

But, Metallica were never about technicality, which might have something to do with how popular they are (most people don't like technicality.)

Well, what about Emerson Lake and Palmer? They were extremely technical, and where highly popular.

[HarrySound]

Everyones a comedian when it's comes to Lars.
You go out, start a band and headline shows 30 years later after selling 100 million albums.

[BassKid101]

I lol'd soooo f**king hard, good lord.

[Musicrules,man]

You know being good at an instrument is just a skill, making a good song as a collaborative band is all that matter. You know to use a crappy sports anology, It doesn't matter if you hit well as long as you win the baseball game. Sort of the same premise... I really like Tom Delonge and it has nothing to do with his skills on guitar, but he writes amazing cool stuff. again kind of the same premise.

[DaniArrow]

It's true, he's not as good anymore.

[Burnzyburns]

They're simple, but I wouldn't change a thing from the drum track on the song AJFA. I really think they're great in a subtle way.

[Vinson]

WOW! The ONE guy in metal that doesn't proclaim himself as God's gift to mankind isn't 18 anymore... and people STILL gotta hate on him. Jealousy is an ugly thing!

Lars, You ****ing ROCK and put more into a show than ANY other drummer! You may not be the BEST, but you try harder than all the rest!!! Thanx for NOT taking it easy even for a single show!

I would rather have you drum for me than ANY other drummer! And as much as they would try to deny it, EVERY SINGLE HATER HERE would DIE to have you in their band!

[Wisthler]

I usually feel like I've regressed. I'm like, 'Why can't I do that anymore?'"

Were you EVER able to do that thing you want to do?

[SmittyMan90]

At least he admits it.

[SmittyMan90]

Fishybones wrote:

Dynamight wrote:

Regressed eh? It wasn't that great to begin with, so it's no big deal.

But, Metallica were never about technicality, which might have something to do with how popular they are (most people don't like technicality.)

Well, what about Emerson Lake and Palmer? They were extremely technical, and where highly popular.

So were Steely Dan, technical ability has nothing to do with popularity.

[stiklyman]

Charvel1030 wrote:

How do you regress from playing nothing but staright 4/4 beats? Lars is a d-bag...

I have one song for you. Blackened. Wasn't even remotely in 4/4. Sounds like you're the d-bag here.

[Mind_Reader7]

Come on guys, if you're one of the most known "metal drummers", you're not going to announce you're an "average drummer" half way through your career.

I congratulate Lars on coming out and say he's average. I personally feel his playing perfectly fits Metallica's work, but most people pick fun at him because he's mainstream.

*waits from thumbs down*

[Hardcoregamer16]

i dont have to read the comments to know this wont end well, i guess he forgot internet rule #1 dont feed the trolls. i still think he is a kickass drummer

[Firehawk2410]

Coincidentally, this comes the day after we had the poll for greatest metal drummer, where he suffered horribly.I I don't think he's the best metal drummer, or best drummer overall, by any means. However, I don't think he deserves all the hate he gets.

[kill it]

playing an instrument in a band isn't all about technique it's about what you add to the sound. if you haven't figured this out you probably aren't a quality musician.

what lars adds to metallica is fine. he's kind of like the ringo of metal, always playing for the song.

[Stojan75]

Kirk, your turn...

[AndSteve]

Everyone hating on Lars even though he admits he's not that great...this is how I know I am on Ultimate Guitar

[Dynamight]

wembly wrote:

And now this "News article" is going to be full of butt hurt people who aren't fans of Metallica, and think which ever band they listen to should be more popular than them. I wish there were more actual discussions on Ultimate guitar news, rather than the insightful comments such as:

"Regressed eh? It wasn't that great to begin with, so it's no big deal.

But, Metallica were never about technicality, which might have something to do with how popular they are (most people don't like technicality.)"

-.-

That's such a ridiculous argument. Why would I care if the bands I like are popular or not? Don't give a shit.

[wembly]

Dynamight wrote:

wembly wrote:

And now this "News article" is going to be full of butt hurt people who aren't fans of Metallica, and think which ever band they listen to should be more popular than them. I wish there were more actual discussions on Ultimate guitar news, rather than the insightful comments such as:

"Regressed eh? It wasn't that great to begin with, so it's no big deal.

But, Metallica were never about technicality, which might have something to do with how popular they are (most people don't like technicality.)"

-.-
That's such a ridiculous argument. Why would I care if the bands I like are popular or not? Don't give a shit.

You were bitching about them being popular.

[Iommianity]

Anyone who turns the argument into a case of Lars not being technical enough is missing the entire point, and likewise, anyone who thinks what Lars does is hold down the beat and play a groovy style is also missing out big time. Lars' best work usually sounded composed, and he was aware of his limits.

When you reach a point where you can no longer handle some of your own parts, that's a problem. If you play the same stock polka beat over everything, you revoke the right to say you're all about groove. What, are you playing for Herbie Hancock? No, you play in Metallica. Lars doesn't need to be a technical drummer, Lars just needs to be a drummer, period.

[Russcool]

As long he doesn't leave Metallica, I'm don't care what he does.

[j_link13]

its called getting old haha

[gorocurt]

Only drummers understand.

[3Y3arsHat3]

Seems like always the majority of metallica haters awaits for news of Metallica just so they can say something bad about them. Ridiculous these metallica haters are.

[saintjimmy99]

This reminds me of my old guitar teacher telling me that back in the day Lars had to play some of his double bass parts by hand because his feet weren't fast/steady enough. Not sure if it's true, but I wouldn't doubt it.

[ToolCreedence]

SmittyMan90 wrote:

Fishybones wrote:

Dynamight wrote:

Regressed eh? It wasn't that great to begin with, so it's no big deal.

But, Metallica were never about technicality, which might have something to do with how popular they are (most people don't like technicality.)

Well, what about Emerson Lake and Palmer? They were extremely technical, and where highly popular.
So were Steely Dan, technical ability has nothing to do with popularity.

I don't think popular music is technical at all anymore. Sure back in the day ELP, Steely Dan, Yes, Rush and King Crimson had success while maintaining interesting complex music. But how many popular bands can you say the same thing about now? Tool? The Mars Volta? Not all that many bands nowadays can be creative and still get airplay. Thus, most technical bands don't reach mainstream success the way they did back in the late 60s and 70s.

[dyerseve30]

Im no drummer but I really like Lars' playing style. Where most "technical" drummers would just throw in a double bass beat that mimics the guitar or what not, Lars puts in a random what the **** was that beat, and I love it!

Here's thr thing, I think most modern metal drummers sound exactly the same, they do the same thing, they get recorded the same way, and they are produced the same. With Lars, he comes up with weird (some say bad) beats, every album the drum production sounds different, and no other drummer sounds like Lars. That's why I like him

I'm obviously a Metallica fan.

[Dynamight]

wembly wrote:
[quote]You were bitching about them being popular.

Actually I wasn't. You should do something about those reading skills.

[Grudgeshredder]

Lars admitting his drumming is heading south? It really must be 2012

[The Spoon]

I saw the title and immediately went for the comments.

[GreenwoodGlade]

BwareDWare94 wrote:

I think the question is...how DID he regress? Was there anywhere to go?

I mean, it's not like his band members have always been miles ahead of him on their own instruments, right?

Oh yeah? James Hetfield is one of best metal rhythm guitarist out there...

[Jakinov]

He's been regressing for over 20 years now. Metallica is terrible now.

[m4ss3 m/]

I actually respect him for admitting it.

[Iommianity]

Vinson wrote:

WOW! The ONE guy in metal that doesn't proclaim himself as God's gift to mankind isn't 18 anymore... and people STILL gotta hate on him. Jealousy is an ugly thing!

Lars, You ****ing ROCK and put more into a show than ANY other drummer! You may not be the BEST, but you try harder than all the rest!!! Thanx for NOT taking it easy even for a single show!

I would rather have you drum for me than ANY other drummer! And as much as they would try to deny it, EVERY SINGLE HATER HERE would DIE to have you in their band!

Does it help you dissect and cope with the fact that people have different opinions than you by believing that they're all bitter, jealous people? The people who pick on Lars do it because they secretly want him in their band? What? Your hands are moving over a keyboard, but it helps if they're driven by your brain.

[mmabiker85]

Don't get me wrong, Metallica has been one of my favorite bands since I was a kid (hell I even like St. Anger). BUT....when you're one of the most overrated drummers in rock, how much can you actually regress? lol

[TimTheWizard]

I guess he's kinda... slow?

[Eclectic Lizard]

I like Lars' drumming because its more catchy than it is technical. Creeping Death, Motorbreath, Sad But True, Master of Puppets, Dyers Eve etc. etc. If Mike Portnoy or someone similar were have played those they would've been wrecked with show-off drumming.

[Eclectic Lizard]

Wisthler wrote:

I usually feel like I've regressed. I'm like, 'Why can't I do that anymore?'"

Were you EVER able to do that thing you want to do?

Dyers Eve, dude. Dyers Eve.

[metallica-#1]

GreenwoodGlade wrote:

BwareDWare94 wrote:

I think the question is...how DID he regress? Was there anywhere to go?

I mean, it's not like his band members have always been miles ahead of him on their own instruments, right?
Oh yeah? James Hetfield is one of best metal rhythm guitarist out there...

Cliff & Rob too, both were/are amazing at their instruments

[METAL JEFF]

after a certain age ,all metal musicians regress.

[shredder3386]

People who rip on Lars astound me. Sure hes not the best (especially with today's amazing dummers) but the "he only plays in 4/4" arguement is ****ing retarded. Thats the comment people who have only heard "Enter Sandman" say because they have no idea what other songs Metallica play. I challenge anyone on here to play even ONE song from AJFA on drums. You would shit your pants.

[gibsongalore184]

I dont know why the **** people are saying his drumming is shit,or why Metallica sucks. Theyre all very talented musicians. I dont know too many people that can play Master of Puppets without burning like 100 calories. And listen to like,Enter Sandman, or Anything from the Ride the Lighting album. His drumming isnt horrible. Yeah,he's not Mike Portnoy,but damn,give him a little credit..

[Clervaux]

I am not a Metallica-fan but boy, I wish I was that madiocre AND succesful!

[guitarist41]

Vinjar wrote:
am I the only one who thought "who the **** sits down and listens to their own music and says it sounds dope?"

Well, who the **** sits down and says "this sounds like shit...let's stitck on the album!"?

[crissfoo06]

at least he admitted it.

[Nirvana_RATM2]

Metallica has it's roots in punk music. Punk music is anything but your talent ; it's your passion.

[dicky_fish]

And thus the vast difference between him and proper drummers like Neil Peart or Gavin Harrison.

Neil Peart was once (if not still) hailed as the greatest drummer ever, and even at the age of 60 he takes lessons from different drummers because he still wants to get better.

Lars is just a slacker

[nailsarecruel]

j_link13 wrote:

its called getting old haha

It's called lack of practice. Charlie Benante is one year older, fit as Wattie Buchan and plays like a beast.

[Andrew C. S.]

WHEEZE2112 wrote:

I don't see why people have a go at lars yes his drumming isn't amazing as Neil Pearts or Mike Portnoy but here is the thing your here reading this and he is in a mansion with millions of dollars and playing stadiums

That is a ridiculously stupid argument.

[WayneACB]

What has happened to music, ****, if you're not the best at what you do or strive to be the best you suck. It seems like these days people can't just play, have fun and make good music that speaks to someone without a million *******s saying that you suck because you're not as good as (insert fastest instrument player here). I wish I grew up in a time when music was about the music and not about skill or speed.

[iscreamicecream]

well he just admitted he sucks! LMAO I wonder what Dave Lombardo thinks

[ironBLSmaiden]

Honestly, I think half the reason people don't like Lars isn't even for his drumming, it's just cause he's a douchebag... but not gonna lie, the second night of Orion he kinda sucked... kept changing tempo and playing fills that didn't fit the songs at all. not to mention he was doing the double kick part of blackened then literally stopped halfway through and just kept time with his hands...

[rhs5110]

Good to know he's passionate about his drumming lol

[sickassfoo]

he doesnt practice? no wonder he isnt any better

[diogoway]

actually i disagree with him. i have been watching metallica live for four/five years, and i think i actually evolved. for example the first time i heard i'm play a decent double bass was on this year's rock in rio in lisbon

[MyCoatz]

I figured this out when he made a frying pan his snare.

[JoachimR]

What has happened to music, ****, if you're not the best at what you do or strive to be the best you suck. It seems like these days people can't just play, have fun and make good music that speaks to someone without a million *****s saying that you suck because you're not as good as (insert fastest instrument player here). I wish I grew up in a time when music was about the music and not about skill or speed.

I'm with you. I'm always suprised when people seem to think that you have to be techincally superb to be "worthy" of fame and acknowledgment. Play and write music with passion AND brain. I'm not a guitar god but I'm an okay guitar player and I sure put feeling and passion into all that I write and produce and achive credit for that.

Get out there and write your heart out alone or with your band and best friends and ****ing enjoy it like Lars have been doing for 30 years. Sure he's a mediocre drummer, but I couldn't care less. He's a part of a band that have made me and millions of others headbang the shit out of it for many years, and for that I thank him and his "shitty" drumming.

I seldom comment this stuff, but I just had to say my two cents. Don't hate, do what you love and stick to it instead of hating on people you're jealous of.

[Maiden95]

iscreamicecream wrote:

well he just admitted he sucks! LMAO I wonder what Dave Lombardo thinks

Actually there was an article posted on this very website a few weeks ago where Dave Lombardo said "I wish people would stop hating on Lars."

[lVlaniac]

[Insert Genius meme]
[Insert Willy Wonka meme]
[Insert Nic Cage meme]

[sideslick]

EpiExplorer wrote:

UG has taken up the mantle of, CAPTAIN OBVIOUS!

ALSO, INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY.

It is, indeed:

INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY!!!

ANYWAYS, HE ISN'T (I'm stopping caps now) The best drummer, but he's still an icon, who can sell out stadiums around the world.

He's also a suit being worn by Fred Savage, also playing Micheal Moore, Rush Limbaugh, and many others. (I just watched that episode of Family Guy last night, so forgive me.)

[Revocati0n]

His drumming on Death Magnetic was actually pretty intense.
I consider myself a pretty proficient drummer, and I probably cant do half the stuff he does on DM.

[lunchboxattacks]

I don't know why people are saying that Lars' value is in his ability to compose moreso than his drumming. I don't think Lars has ever composed but what he has done is arranged which is a different thing. He gets that composer credit because he often his had the say on the structure of a song, suggesting tweaks to riffs, lyrics as well as the song's format, and what could or should go where. At least that's the way it seems looking at studio footage. He's always the one sorting through the takes and just overseeing the songs as a whole. He may not be the best drummer or anything like it in the same way as Kirk is not the best lead guitarist but any day I'd rather have Metallica going on as much as possible as the guys who have been there throughout the years. It would lose so much soul if it were ever "James + some guys" the same way as it did with Megadeth "Dave + some guys", Guns n Roses "Axl + some guys" and Smashing Pumpkins "Billy + some guys". They might feature better musicians but you just can't feel that irreplaceable bond through all that went before that lends so much to a band as it's own entity.

Also, Lars is a businessman, he had the mind to go out and sell Metallica pretty much from the band's inception and there might never been a Metallica in the first place if it weren't for his drive.

[nightruler666]

well if you PRACTICE you won't regress

[brndnstffrd]

MyCoatz wrote:

I figured this out when he made a frying pan his snare.

While i am agianst all of the Lars hate going on here, this comment did make me lol

[nightruler666]

Stojan75 wrote:

Kirk, your turn...

is that you dave mustaine?

[deathbycontrol]

Took him long enough to figure it out..

[Sethis]

We can already tell...

[Lightning_Ray]

slipknot836 wrote:

I honestly feel kinda bad for him... Feeling like you've gotten worse over time must suck. Listening to their older stuff to their newer stuff you can tell. Even back then he wasn't a phenomenal drummer, but icon in the 80's.

He was never a shit drummer though(as most people say he is), he just wasn't as complex as he could be or as good as other drummers in the metal genre. He's not a big influence on drumming in my opinion but he still deserves credit.

Just because he's not the best drummer in the world it doesn't mean that he wasn't/isn't influential. All the drummers I know always quote Lars as one of their greatest influences, and half of them can outplay him in any way possible.

It wasn't just Lars that regressed, Kirk too, probably for the same reason Lars did: he just stopped caring about evolving his skills. We all know James' vocals aren't as powerful as it was back in the end of the 80's and early 90's, but he did make an effort to make the best use out of it. In my opinion, his voice in their current tour is at its best shape in years!

Also, I can't tell how much I miss Jason's backing vocals. Rob is probably the best all-around musician the band had since James himself, but his backing vocals sound embarassing to say the least.

When you listen to live records of them back in the end of the 80's and early 90's and compare them with today's, the difference in intensity and power is absolutely astonishing, and a lot of that is due to Lars' drumming back in the day.

[Zan595]

WHEEZE2112 wrote:

I don't see why people have a go at lars yes his drumming isn't amazing as Neil Pearts or Mike Portnoy but here is the thing your here reading this and he is in a mansion with millions of dollars and playing stadiums

Success =/= Talent.

[JustStayDown90]

Stojan75 wrote:

Kirk, your turn...

True, at least Lars has improved his playing SOMEWHAT (still not as much as he should/could, but yeah). Kirk seems to be getting more and more sloppy, not really doing great playing his solos.
By the way, those "Kirk Solos" that he does live are really unimpressive.

[jordo246]

I don't see how you can hate someone who helped write some of the greatest metal songs to ever be released. Whether he's a good drummer or not he's still Lars ****in' Ulrich.

[travislausch]

He sounds a lot like my usual drummer. Couldn't fncking be bothered with theory or actual self-improvement, just wants to dick around on the drums all the time as a pseudo-workout.

[dennis.1960]

WHEEZE2112 wrote:

I don't see why people have a go at lars yes his drumming isn't amazing as Neil Pearts or Mike Portnoy but here is the thing your here reading this and he is in a mansion with millions of dollars and playing stadiums

Oh, and Peter Criss is in an even bigger mansion with more millions of dollars, does that make him a better drummer than Lars?

[smittyanthrax]

If it bothered him that much he would have tried harder when he felt it slipping away from him.Nothing against the guy but i dont think he ever really applied himself properly after they got famous.

[ottyk]

I haven't jumped on the "Hate Lars" bandwagon but I have always wondered how he has never got better despite 30 years of constant drumming >.

[outlawtorn003]

metallica-#1 wrote:

GreenwoodGlade wrote:

BwareDWare94 wrote:

I think the question is...how DID he regress? Was there anywhere to go?

I mean, it's not like his band members have always been miles ahead of him on their own instruments, right?
Oh yeah? James Hetfield is one of best metal rhythm guitarist out there...
Cliff & Rob too, both were/are amazing at their instruments

This. I'm a big Metallica fan but Lars and Kirk have gotten so sloppy. Kirk uses the wah so much as a crutch. His stuff on Load/Reload seems very good, but DM the solos were garbage (listen to End of the Line). At least Lars realized hes regressed hitting his snare garbage can all the time.

[GenerationKILL]

Metallica was NEVER about technical drumming. It was ALWAYS about Jame's riffs and their COMBINED energy.

You *******s should just stop harshing Lars and go jerk off to your Mike Portnoy instructional videos.

...and say whatever you want about Lars, Portnoy fanboys, at least Lars didnt abandon his original band for A7X of all acts, and then cry about the mistake he made for a year and a half...

HA!

[437]

To regress you actually have to be good at some point...

[AndrewArriola]

everyone gets old

[jrcsgtpeppers]

GenerationKILL wrote:

Metallica was NEVER about technical drumming. It was ALWAYS about Jame's riffs and their COMBINED energy.

You *****s should just stop harshing Lars and go jerk off to your Mike Portnoy instructional videos.

...and say whatever you want about Lars, Portnoy fanboys, at least Lars didnt abandon his original band for A7X of all acts, and then cry about the mistake he made for a year and a half...

HA!

someones mad! i dont care for mike, im more of a blake guy myself. everyones just mad that lars is in a famous band and people feel that if youre gonna be that famous you should be really good.

[testekleez]

Metallica rocks! Always has and always will. If you don't like Metallica then you don't like metal. Ulrich has demonstrated great skill over the years and most of todays drummers looked up to him and got good learning how to play the 80's Metallica songs. To say he's not a good drummer is ridiculous. If you want to hear some really technical drumming listen to jazz but if you want to ROCK listen to Metallica!

[Brandon1993]

how can you get worse at something you were never good at to begin with?

[QuantumInfinity]

Lars' drumming fits the band, so it's fine with me. Don't know what the problem is t_t

That being said, I don't understand why he doesn't practice more if he wants to do what he once did? o_O

[leohimself]

If I divided by the number of Lulu's I give about Lars' drumming, I'd be in big trouble.

[qrEE]

Welcome to reality, Lars. Now are you finally going to make the 5th decent Metallica album?

[RUSTDOGG666]

testekleez wrote:

If you don't like Metallica then you don't like metal.

That is not true. You don't have to like a certain band to like a certain genre of music. Next you're gonna say that everyone has to like Green Day in order to like punk. As for Lars, well he is 48, aging up there. Not as young as when he was 18. So it is just something he has to accept with age. Everyone has to sooner or later.

[guitarplaya070]

In other news, water is wet.

[vikkyvik]

News Flash: Lars isn't a hugely talented drummer.

Wow. Never knew that!

With this bit of amazingly surprising news revealed, I will categorically state that I STILL prefer a lot of his drumming over many of the newer metal drummers. I'm not a big fan of super-technical, super-complex drumming. Lars can actually groove at times, which you don't hear in a lot of metal.

With that said, he probably doesn't KNOW he's grooving, but oh well!

And:

leohimself wrote:

If I divided by the number of Lulu's I give about Lars' drumming, I'd be in big trouble.

That actually made me laugh out loud.

[JMV12]

Metallica is ok for what they do, but that's about it. I've never considered any of them to be virtuosos, but then again, they were never that type of band.

If anything, people put them on that pedestal for some reason, but I honestly think they are overrated. I do like a few of their songs and own a few of their albums, but I still think they are overrated.

[chiefmegadeth]

ive always said he was a shit drummer. thanks for clearing that up lars. seriously tho lars your drumming is ****ing awful.

[sickassfoo]

JustStayDown90 wrote:

Stojan75 wrote:

Kirk, your turn...

True, at least Lars has improved his playing SOMEWHAT (still not as much as he should/could, but yeah). Kirk seems to be getting more and more sloppy, not really doing great playing his solos.
By the way, those "Kirk Solos" that he does live are really unimpressive.

True that on the live solos. A few years back on the big 4 theater stream i remember watching him and thinking. "o kirk is doing a solo cool." [a few solos later] "someone should unplug his amp, that shit is getting annoying"

[][v][ETAL]

Vinjar wrote:

am I the only one who thought "who the **** sits down and listens to their own music and says it sounds dope?"
I do that? I mean like if i were a big giant musician like the guys in Metallica, I would say I love it when I am asked a question regarding it...
if it took him this long to realize how bad he is at drumming we sure can't take his word on the new album!

[jjhand]

Lars and Kirk both are past their prime. They were at their best in the "And Justice For All" and "Black Album" days but they are pushing 50 now and don't have the same conditioning and drive they once did.

It's true that Metallica was not experts at their instruments but they wrote amazing songs that became top requests on mainstream rock radio to several generations. Several of their hits are on the radio decades after they were written. They sold 5 straight albums that had a #1 debut on Billboard, no one else in rock or thrash can do that. They are that good at writing memorable songs and selling their sound to a growing audience.

[CoreysMonster]

Emberwolf06 wrote:

Ahh, I love spending my morning watching jealous Metallica haters bash a drummer who has never claimed to be the best. Remember folks, if you were as good, you'd be the one playing stadiums for 20 years

What? There are thousands of drummers that are better than Lars, they just don't happen to be in Metallica, or be in the San Fransisco Bay Area in the early 80's, or get Bob Rock as a producer, etc etc etc.

Metallica's success has nothing to do with Lars' drumming skills.

[Mister D Nomms]

Arthritis

[kris_the_person]

that's because his drumming skills is interconnected with his hairline

[lb_728]

regressed n goin strong since 1991....

[FallenDestiny]

It's about time, Lars.

[metallica-#1]

vikkyvik wrote:

Lars can actually groove at times, which you don't hear in a lot of metal.

With that said, he probably doesn't KNOW he's grooving

I agree with this, Lars can get some pretty tastey grooves going in songs, one recent one that especially comes to mind is the drum beat in "The End of the Line" where they come in with that "Some Kind of Monster"-type riff, or his drums on "Broken, Beat & Scarred"

[ozzrhoads1982]

Playing drums to stay in shape, and not to get better? What do you think was gonna happen? Still like him, though

[JasonWeb54]

Like him or not, he DID co-write all of Metallica's songs. At least give him credit for that.

[noahi9]

Time to call it quits, Lars!! Your drumming has never been that great in the first place; even Dave Lombardo and Charlie Benante are better drummers than you'll ever be.

[JayMichaelRayne]

oh holy crap i read the word "regressed" 7 times already. that's my limit. i quit.

[NHECOS]

No shit Sherlock?

[slipknot836]

Lightning_Ray wrote:

slipknot836 wrote:

I honestly feel kinda bad for him... Feeling like you've gotten worse over time must suck. Listening to their older stuff to their newer stuff you can tell. Even back then he wasn't a phenomenal drummer, but icon in the 80's.

He was never a shit drummer though(as most people say he is), he just wasn't as complex as he could be or as good as other drummers in the metal genre. He's not a big influence on drumming in my opinion but he still deserves credit.

Lightning_Ray wrote:

Just because he's not the best drummer in the world it doesn't mean that he wasn't/isn't influential. All the drummers I know always quote Lars as one of their greatest influences, and half of them can outplay him in any way possible.

It wasn't just Lars that regressed, Kirk too, probably for the same reason Lars did: he just stopped caring about evolving his skills. We all know James' vocals aren't as powerful as it was back in the end of the 80's and early 90's, but he did make an effort to make the best use out of it. In my opinion, his voice in their current tour is at its best shape in years!

Also, I can't tell how much I miss Jason's backing vocals. Rob is probably the best all-around musician the band had since James himself, but his backing vocals sound embarassing to say the least.

When you listen to live records of them back in the end of the 80's and early 90's and compare them with today's, the difference in intensity and power is absolutely astonishing, and a lot of that is due to Lars' drumming back in the day.

I said he's not a big influence on drumming in my opinion, meaning my drumming. And yeah, the intensity of the 80's to 90's live stuff was great and James' voice has changed with age as everyone's will, but to be fair to him, James' singing voice and vocal ranged has got a lot better. And I also agree, Jason could mimic James' style of singing... Rob shouts... But is amazing at bass :')

[FITZY 1998]

If you think about it, the rejected songs from death magnetic are still 10 times better and more successful that Lulu

[FITZY 1998]

than*

[Rastapunk]

This made me listen to Beyond Magnetic again, awesome EP! Yeah his drumming was never really technical but he was good at it.

[Wisthler]

Dyers Eve, dude. Dyers Eve.

Yeah, and justce for all, the only album where he showed skills, come on Q.Q

[Theophillis]

No shit.....?

Now for REAL news.....

http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/lamb-o... randy-blythe-arrested-official-statement-inside/

[soulgrenade]

He was never that great to begin with.

[soulgrenade]

His hairline has regressed too.

[imtiaz3]

yea hearing lars now live and on death magnetic just isn't the same

but you all must keep in mind, Lars still kicks your ass on AJFA, double bass up ur asses to all the haters

[FallenDestiny]

Lars bears a strange resemblance to Peter Pettigrew.

[MarkSlayer2009]

Vinson wrote:

WOW! The ONE guy in metal that doesn't proclaim himself as God's gift to mankind isn't 18 anymore... and people STILL gotta hate on him. Jealousy is an ugly thing!

Lars, You ****ing ROCK and put more into a show than ANY other drummer! You may not be the BEST, but you try harder than all the rest!!! Thanx for NOT taking it easy even for a single show!

I would rather have you drum for me than ANY other drummer! And as much as they would try to deny it, EVERY SINGLE HATER HERE would DIE to have you in their band!

You know he probably wont ever read this, right?

[feathers632]

I have tried at least for 5 mins to get into their music. To me it just sounds like formulaic metal and I find it quite boring to listen to. I wanna hear something different and Metallica is not the place to hear it.

[Shavyi]

How many 50 years old drummers are able to perform 2h30 of show with so much speed and heavyness ?
I would be ****ing happy if I can tour like this at my 50'.

[walkonhome21]

am i the only one that has realized this is in wtf?

[Shiggityleveler]

AJFA is a great bit of drumming and much better than anything before or after it but! listen to any live show from 88-95 and you'll hear some great drumming and he plays all the old simple stuff from kill em all and adds his newfound skill (at the time) and kills it! double bass out the ass and up the ass. love it. it does kind of annoy me that he knows hes regressed yet doesnt take the time to try and get back to what he use to be. but i still love him and metallica and will pay good money to see them live and buy their albums

[clay005]

feathers632 wrote:

I have tried at least for 5 mins to get into their music. To me it just sounds like formulaic metal and I find it quite boring to listen to. I wanna hear something different and Metallica is not the place to hear it.

New metal today are the same.....

[gypsyblues7373]

I don't see why people have a go at lars yes his drumming isn't amazing as Neil Pearts or Mike Portnoy but here is the thing your here reading this and he is in a mansion with millions of dollars and playing stadiums

I love when people post something like this, as if being rich and famous somehow makes them legitimate. Two words for ya bud: Paris Hilton.