What kind of messages do Metallica’s legendary members share in their exclusive group chat?

In a recent interview with Variety, drummer Lars Ulrich disclosed that their discussions often mirror the kinds of conversations we all have—sharing hilarious memes found on the internet and enjoying some light-hearted moments. This fun interaction showcases the camaraderie among the band members, illustrating that even rock legends indulge in the joys of modern digital culture.

“We have a band-only text thread that’s exclusively for the four of us, and we regularly come across some really entertaining content these days, thanks to the boundless creativity of people online,” said the drummer. He recounted a particularly amusing Star Wars meme that circulated recently, featuring humorous exchanges between characters like Darth Vader and others. It culminates in a reference to the iconic line “Darkness imprisoning me!” from their song 'One', which Ulrich noted probably originated on TikTok.

@brethrenedits #ANAKIN X #METALLICA – One || insp: @street #starwars #edit #darthvader #obiwan #yoda #anakinskywalkeredit #fyp #viral #starwarsday #revengeofthesith #maythe4thbewithyou ♬ original sound – BRETHREN

“We truly appreciate the creativity of our fans, especially when they reinterpret our music, whether it’s through guitar covers, drum performances, or unique vocal renditions that span various genres,” Ulrich expressed. “Sometimes, incorporating a bit of AI into these reinterpretations produces surprisingly fun results. It’s challenging to keep track of all this creativity, as it happens hundreds or even thousands of times daily. However, the most entertaining ones make their way into our band-only text thread, allowing the four of us to enjoy and celebrate them together.”

Engaging with Fans: Lars Reads the Comments

Lars’ candidness about sharing Metallica memes in their group chat highlights how the band acknowledges discussions surrounding their music in social media spaces. Earlier in 2023, the drummer revealed that he actively “reads the comments” to gauge listeners’ reactions to their music, but he approaches this task with a clear strategy.

In an interview with Metal Hammer, he explained, “If you choose to delve into the comment sections, you must prepare yourself not to take any of it too personally. It’s essential to detach yourself emotionally. Nevertheless, I dare any musician to claim they don’t occasionally check comments.”

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“I’m not up until the wee hours of the morning meticulously scrolling through every single comment,” he clarified, “but when you haven’t released new music in five or six years and then unveil a track like ‘Lux Æterna’ to the world, you naturally become curious about the audience’s feedback.”

Metallica’s Future Plans: What’s Next for the Band in 2025?

When Lars isn’t immersed in the digital world, he’s keeping the rhythm as the drummer for the world’s most iconic metal band. Metallica continues to captivate audiences with multi-night performances across various cities globally. After their recent show in Tampa, the band is set to perform in Houston, Santa Clara, and Denver later this month, wrapping up their U.S. tour leg.

Additionally, Metallica is scheduled to grace the stage at the Back to the Beginning concert featuring Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath on July 5 in Birmingham, England. Following this, their next tour leg will commence on November 1 in Perth, Australia. Fans can find the complete list of Metallica’s tour dates and ticketing information on their official website.

Moreover, a new film titled Metallica Saved My Life, which centers around the band’s dedicated fanbase, is currently available. More details regarding ticketing can be accessed through the film’s official website.