when did metallica form

Metallica formed in late 1981 in Los Angeles, California, when drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield started the band together.

Key date

• The band is often said to have been “born” on October 28, 1981, the date Ulrich and Hetfield first got together under the Metallica name.

• Most reference works simply state that Metallica was formed in 1981 by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich.

Extra context

• Ulrich first placed a newspaper ad looking for other metal musicians, which Hetfield answered, leading to the initial lineup that became Metallica.

• Early members Ron McGovney (bass) and Dave Mustaine (lead guitar) soon joined, helping establish the band’s first demos before the classic lineup evolved.