Renowned music producer Bob Rock has expressed his admiration for Metallica's Lars Ulrich, calling him a “genius” and one of the most iconic drummers in the annals of rock and metal history. This accolade highlights Ulrich’s significant contributions to the music industry.

Bob Rock’s Emotional Response to Metallica’s Performance

Bob Rock is best known among Metallica enthusiasts for his role as the producer during a pivotal era of the band’s discography, starting from the groundbreaking 1991 album Metallica, famously known as the Black Album, and concluding with the controversial 2003 release, St. Anger. His production work coincided with a marked evolution in Metallica’s musical style, transitioning from their early thrash metal roots to a more mainstream sound.

After a lengthy collaboration, Metallica shifted their focus to producer Rick Rubin for their 2008 album, Death Magnetic, marking a new chapter in their storied career.

It wasn’t until nearly 15 years later that Bob Rock had the opportunity to see Metallica perform live again, which occurred at one of their highly anticipated 2023 concerts at So-Fi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

During a recent episode of The Metallica Report, Rock shared how deeply moved he was by witnessing Lars Ulrich drumming “in the pocket,” a term used to describe an effortless, rhythmic flow while performing. The experience was a powerful reminder of Metallica’s musical journey.

Reflecting on the early days, Rock recalled when Metallica presented him with demos for their Black Album, expressing a desire to create tracks with a distinct “groove.” This moment serves as a testament to the band’s innovative approach to songwriting.

“When I saw Lars, when I saw the pocket, I almost cried,” he recounted, emphasizing the emotional connection he feels to their music.

Bob Rock Highlights Lars Ulrich’s Unique Drumming Style

During the August 6 episode of The Metallica Report, Bob Rock did not hold back in his enthusiastic praise for Lars Ulrich. He articulated that “Lars plays to James,” meaning that Ulrich’s drum fills are intricately aligned with James Hetfield’s riffs, creating a seamless musical experience.

Read More: The Most Collected Albums By 11 Big ’80s Metal Bands

When discussing the demo for the iconic track “Sad But True,” Rock drew comparisons to Led Zeppelin’s classic “When the Levee Breaks,” noting how Ulrich’s drumming interacts with James Hetfield‘s guitar work. This synergy is a hallmark of Metallica’s sound.

He further likened Ulrich‘s drumming style to legendary drummers Keith Moon and John Bonham, who were known for their powerful and complementary playing alongside The Who and Led Zeppelin respectively.

Despite facing criticism over his drumming techniques during the 1990s and into the 2000s, Rock firmly believes that Lars Ulrich‘s unique style is what defines Metallica. “That’s his style. If he just played boom-dah, it wouldn’t be Metallica. So I think he’s a genius, to be quite honest,” he asserted.

Exploring Lars Ulrich’s Influence from John Bonham

Lars Ulrich‘s admiration for John Bonham is well-documented and reflects his deep appreciation for rock drumming. On a 2021 episode of the Howard Stern Show, Ulrich shared his personal list of the greatest drummers in history, placing Bonham at the very top.

During this conversation, Ulrich referenced “When the Levee Breaks,” highlighting it as a quintessential example of Bonham’s drumming style. He remarked, “That’s classic Bonham. The drums are big, thunderous, ambient. He’s a little bit behind on the snare. And it’s got in that groove. He’s in a pocket,” showcasing the profound impact Bonham has had on his musical philosophy.