The Metallica Report

Metallica & Pantheon Media

Weekly News, Features, and Interviews from Metallica HQ and Beyond

  • 40 minutes 5 seconds
    Episode 82: Behind the Doors of Inveniem - A Visit to Metallica’s Archival Vaults

    The week of February 19, 2025 on The Metallica Report…


    Led by Inveniem archivist Ally Bace, Steff and Renée enter the Metallica vault to explore physical pieces of the band’s history, including master tapes, handwritten notes, diaries, clothing, and so much more. Ally discusses her journey to becoming an archivist, the forensic process of handling the artifacts, and the emotional power these pieces hold, something Steff encounters when faced with an item that conjures an experience three decades old. We also get some insight into which Metallica members are the primary collectors and how Inveniem and The Black Box work together. Finally, we stumble upon our inspiration for this week’s Metallica Report Spotify playlist.


    The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday.


    The Metallica Black Box: https://www.metallica.com/museum 

    Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music 

    Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast

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    19 February 2025, 8:00 am
  • 2 minutes 15 seconds
    Introducing American Masters: Creative Spark
    This week we have Steff and Renee introducing the American Masters: Creative Spark podcast from PBS. We've become regular listeners and hope you enjoy it too.
    19 February 2025, 7:00 am
  • 40 minutes 4 seconds
    Episode 81: Inside Metallica HQ; Meet the Runners

    The week of February 12, 2025 on The Metallica Report…


    We speak with the Metallica HQ Studio Runners—Jackson Langford, Jack Ketchum, Alex Coltharp, and Dana Lindstrom—about their tasks and duties around the building and beyond. From massive lunch runs to damaging cars and walls (with a purpose, of course) and from restringing guitars to joining the touring crew, some assignments are definitely less predictable than others. 


    Plus, as you’ve come to know, there’s a lot of talent flowing through the confines of HQ beyond Metallica itself, and these runners are no exception. We hear a bit about Low Levee (Jackson and Alex’s band) and Milk For The Angry (Dana’s band), both entrenched in the local Bay Area music scene on top of being favorites among HQ staff. We also find out how Jack, a visual artist and screen printer specializing in classic-style and retro rock posters and t-shirts, helps James Hetfield level up his art supply stash.


    The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday.


    Milk For The Angry: linktr.ee/milkfortheangry 

    Low Levee: linktr.ee/lowlevee  

    Jack Ketchum: https://www.instagram.com/peoplemydogbites 

    Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music 

    Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    12 February 2025, 8:00 am
  • 49 minutes 21 seconds
    Episode 80: David Fricke - Metallica’s Journey in Rolling Stone Magazine

    The week of February 5, 2025 on The Metallica Report…


    Legendary music critic David Fricke details his decades-long journey with Metallica, writing some of rock journalism’s most unflinching and detailed stories about the band through the pages of Rolling Stone magazine. Beginning with their first full-assignment encounter on the Damaged Justice tour, David shares observations of Metallica’s unique fan connection and growth as the Four Horsemen ascended. David also explains how he managed to tap into the heart, mind, and soul of James Hetfield for arguably the most famous Rolling Stone/Metallica cover story back in April 1993.


    The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday.


    David Fricke/Rolling Stone Magazine: https://www.rollingstone.com/author/david-fricke 

    David Fricke/Tidal Magazine: https://tidal.com/magazine/author/davidfricke/47 

    David Fricke/Sirius XM: https://www.siriusxm.com/blog/tag/david-fricke 

    Fricke’s Picks Radio Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/06luEBzWT5ZQqVLhH11Bpb 

    Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  

    Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    5 February 2025, 8:00 am
  • 35 minutes 40 seconds
    Episode 79: Jimmy Clark - Laughter, Loyalty, and Life as Lars Ulrich’s Drum Tech

    The week of January 29, 2025 on The Metallica Report…

    Percussionist Jimmy Clark, also known in the Metallica world as Lars Ulrich’s tech, joins us to share stories of his own career, how he became friends with a mischievous young Danish drummer back in the day, his industry education in Nashville, and how he worked his way from the rafters to the stage with Metallica. Jimmy also discusses his own adherence to perfectionism and how that comes in handy while managing multiple kits on the M72 World Tour.

    The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday.


    Lars Ulrich 40th Anniversary Drum Kit: metallica.lnk.to/TAMA-LarsUlrich40 

    Lars Ulrich Signature Snare Drum: metallica.lnk.to/TAMA-LU1465

    Lars Ulrich Signature Drum Sticks: metallica.lnk.to/LarsUlrich-AHEAD-sticks

    Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music   

    Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 January 2025, 8:00 am
  • 36 minutes 39 seconds
    Episode 78: Justin Crew - Enter the World of Kirk Hammett’s Guitar Tech

    The week of January 22, 2025 on The Metallica Report…


    We continue our techs-behind-the-band series with Justin Crew, Kirk Hammett’s right-hand guitar-man of 29 years. Justin recounts the genesis of his own career from Go West to AC/DC, how he landed the Metallica/Hammett gig, the terror of flatbed trucks, being on the Poor Touring Me tour, and what his work on M72 requires. Justin also discusses Greeny, the guitar famous in its own right, and his working relationship with last week’s guest and guitar tech to James Hetfield, Chad Zaemisch.


    The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday.


    “Greeny” Les Paul Standard: https://www.gibson.com/en-US/kirk-hammett-greeny 

    Kirk Hammett ESP guitars: metallica.lnk.to/ESP-KirkHammett 

    Kirk Hammett Cry Baby® Wah: metallica.lnk.to/Dunlop-KH95 

    Kirk Hammett Jazz III Pick: metallica.lnk.to/Dunlop-47-KH3N 

    Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  

    Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    22 January 2025, 5:09 pm
  • 41 minutes 13 seconds
    Episode 77: Chad Zaemisch - Inside the Mind of James Hetfield’s Guitar Tech

    The week of January 15, 2025 on The Metallica Report…


    We hear from guitar tech Chad Zaemisch. He shares what it’s like being interviewed for a job by prospective boss James Hetfield, then details his creative and technical approach to the role. He discusses how the gig has changed over the last 22 years, what working a show is like, and the importance of trust in his relationship with James. Finally, Chad recalls some memorable and satisfying moments from the last two decades.


    The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday.


    California Community Foundation: https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund 

    Pasadena Community Foundation: https://pasadenacf.org/supporting-our-community-eaton-canyon-fire-relief-recovery-fund 

    Lite-Time Wireless Stage Solutions: https://lite-time.com 

    James Hetfield ESP Products: metallica.lnk.to/ESP-JamesHetfield 

    Ernie Ball Papa Het Strings: metallica.lnk.to/ErnieBall-JamesHetfield 

    Papa Het Pick Tin: metallica.lnk.to/JH-PickTin 

    Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  

    Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    15 January 2025, 8:00 am
  • 27 minutes 37 seconds
    Episode 76: James Hetfield on Words & Lyrics

    The week of January 8, 2025 on The Metallica Report…


    We speak with James Hetfield about his perennial and peerless lyrics. Our songwriter shares what he loves about the architecture of words, whether he sees himself as a storyteller, and his appreciation of Tom Waits. Then, we take a trip back through the So What! archives to revisit his approach to songs such as “Harvester Of Sorrow,” “Moth Into Flame,” and “ManUNkind.” Finally, he discusses the soul searching behind 72 Seasons and explains—what he has determined to be—the three phases of “Fuck it!” 


    Become a Fifth Member: https://www.metallica.com/fans 

    The Metallica Black Box: https://www.metallica.com/museum 

    Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  

    Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    8 January 2025, 8:00 am
  • 31 minutes 39 seconds
    Episode 75: Best of TMR 2024 with Metallica & More

    The week of January 1, 2025 on The Metallica Report…


    As we welcome 2025, Steff and Renée had to take one last chance to appreciate the year that was with their favorite moments and guests from The Metallica Report 2024.


    From bird-watching to high school memories to world tour vibes, this one covers a lot of ground! So sit back and enjoy reminiscing with James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo, Brian Tatler, Les Claypool, Ron Quintana, Jeff Yeager, Dan Nykolayko, and, of course, our beloved hosts.


    The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday.


    Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music 

    Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 January 2025, 8:00 am
  • 23 minutes 41 seconds
    Episode 74: Lars Ulrich, Rob Trujillo

    The week of December 25, 2024 on The Metallica Report…


    With the holiday season in full swing, we hear from Metallica’s confirmed cinephile, Lars Ulrich. Having seen 18 films at the Mill Valley Film Festival alone, he speaks about some of his favorite movies over the last few months. And for good measure, Steff has him throw in his current musical flavors, as well.


    Meanwhile, Robert Trujillo shares his modest New Year’s Resolution: expanding his powers of communication with the world. Happy Holidays from Metallica HQ!


    The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday.


    Helping Hands Concert: https://www.youtube.com/live/7SIS9gYdmZY 

    Helping Hands Auction: https://helpinghandsauction.com 

    Mill Valley Film Festival: https://www.mvff.com 

    Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music 

    Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 December 2024, 8:00 am
  • 35 minutes 13 seconds
    Episode 73: Lars Ulrich, Robert Trujillo, Jason Momoa, LA Rams’ Rob Havenstein

    The week of December 18, 2024 on The Metallica Report…


    Steff and Renée bring all the details from last week’s Helping Hands Concert & Auction at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. Coverage starts during rehearsals when Lars and Robert share the band’s approach to the unique nature of this traditionally acoustic/electric show.


    Metallica superfan Jason Momoa takes us back to his entrée into music, his love of bass, and his admiration for All Within My Hands. Then, LA Rams Offensive Tackle Rob Havenstein–who used NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative to spotlight AWMH–shares how he discovered the mighty Metallica.


    We also get a review of the show itself, where our hosts discuss SistaStrings, Sammy Hagar and his “The Best Of All Worlds” band, and the very special Metallica sets.


    The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday.


    Helping Hands Auction: https://www.helpinghandsauction.com 

    All Within My Hands: https://www.allwithinmyhands.org 

    Jason Momoa: https://www.instagram.com/prideofgypsies 

    Rob Havenstein’s AWMH Cleats: https://www.helpinghandsauction.com/lite-ui/?controller=lots&action=showLot&id=78 

    Sammy Hagar: https://www.instagram.com/sammyhagar 

    SistaStrings: https://www.instagram.com/sistastrings 

    Avi Vinocur: https://www.instagram.com/avispersonalprofile

    Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music 

    Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    18 December 2024, 8:00 am
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