METALLICA

Thrash Metal, Modern Rock/Metal band from USA.
Metallica was formed by Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield in the fall of 1981. Ulrich (who originally came to the US to play tennis) had, during that summer, met Brian Slagel of Metal Blade Records and had secured an appearance on an upcoming compilation called Metal Massacre but had no band. He quickly found Hetfield, who was playing in Leather Charm at the time, and one day in December of 1981, they recorded the rhythm tracks to a remake of a Leather Charm song, "Hit the Lights." Guitarist Lloyd Grant recorded a solo in January, 1982, and the song appeared on Metal Massacre in February.

Permanent guitarist Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) was brought in in February of 1982, and a bassist, Ron McGovney was found. Ron (who also designed the famous Metallica logo) was James's roommate, and James taught him to play bass, so that the band could play live. The first live show was on March 14th, at Radio City Music Hall in Anaheim. James did only vocals, and Dave was the single guitarist. The band at this point had several rehearsal tapes floating about, but then in response to one of those being pressed to vinyl by Bongus Loadus Records, decided to record their first demo, with the Grant version of Hit the Lights and two covers.