If you’re a fan of heavy metal music, then you know who METALLICA’s Lars Ulrich is. He’s the iconic drummer for one of the biggest bands in the world, and he’s famous for his fast, precise and heavy drumming style that has inspired countless musicians. In a recent appearance on ‘The Howard Stern Show’, Ulrich demonstrated his double-bass drumming technique, which has become a signature part of his sound. This video has since gone viral, and fans are once again talking about the incredible talent of this legendary musician. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Ulrich’s double-bass drumming technique and what it takes to master this challenging skill.
During their appearance on “The Howard Stern Show” on April 12th, METALLICA’s drummer, Lars Ulrich, demonstrated his skilled drumming abilities to the host, Howard Stern. Ulrich shared his thoughts on drumming and revealed that he prefers to play what is necessary for the song. He believes that it is essential to be able to perform simply, even if a drummer is capable of doing more when needed.
Ulrich explained that “It’s often easier to play fast than it is to play slow… You can learn the 600 notes from a book, but it’s much harder to learn how, like a [Eric] Clapton or [Jimi] Hendrix or [Ritchie] Blackmore, some of these guys weave in and out of time signatures. That’s not something that’s so easy to write down. That’s more feel, and feel is less easily definable in a book than ability.”
He also stressed the importance of having a personal style and feel when playing drums. He mentioned that drummers like Phil Rudd from AC/DC, Charlie Watts from the Rolling Stones, or Clive Burr from IRON MAIDEN, who are known for their swing and swagger, are as equal or more important than technical ability.
Ulrich’s thoughts on drumming reflect his growth as a musician. He has become less concerned about criticism and more focused on playing for the song. In 2016, he had already mentioned on the “Talk Is Jericho” podcast that he went through a period in the mid-1980s where he felt compelled to try to show ability because of the competition from some of his peers. He said, “Listen, when you’ve got Dave Lombardo and Charlie Benante breathing down your back, it was, like, ‘Okay, I’ve gotta…’ I tried to step it up a little bit and tried to do my own thing and do all this crazy shit.”
Despite the criticism he has received in the past, Ulrich acknowledges his strengths and focuses on developing his abilities while staying in shape by running every day and eating healthily. He said that he listens to various music to improve his skills and stay in touch with different styles.
Ulrich has been with METALLICA since its inception in 1981 and has established himself as one of the greatest drummers of all time. His contribution to METALLICA’s music is immeasurable, and his unique style and approach to drumming have had a significant impact on the world of rock and metal music.
In conclusion, Lars Ulrich is a drummer with a personal style and feel. He believes that drummers should play what the song calls for and being able to perform simply is more critical than technical ability. Ulrich’s growth as a musician reflects his focus on serving the song and becoming less concerned about criticism. His influence on the world of rock and metal music is undeniable, and his contributions to METALLICA’s music have made him one of the greatest drummers in history.
In conclusion, watching Lars Ulrich demonstrate his double-bass drumming technique on “The Howard Stern Show” was a treat for any Metallica fan or aspiring drummer. Not only did he showcase his impressive speed and precision, but he also offered insight into his approach to music and his creative process. It’s always inspiring to see a musician at the top of their game share their craft with others, and Lars Ulrich did just that. We can’t wait to see what he has in store for us next.