Metallica song accused of plagiarizing Aerosmith

Metallica, a band revered by fans and critics alike, is no stranger to controversy within the heavy metal world. While they are undeniably one of the most significant metal acts globally, there are still moments in their career that raise eyebrows and beg for further examination. Despite their highs and lows, Metallica has always been upfront about paying homage to the bands that influenced their musical journey.

From the very beginning, every member of Metallica was a fan before they were musicians. James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, the founding members, drew inspiration from legendary bands like Black Sabbath and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Their passion for acts such as Diamond Head, Angel Witch, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin was evident in their music from the start.

An interesting aspect of Metallica’s musical evolution is their incorporation of elements from their favorite songs into their own compositions. For instance, the breakdown in ‘The Four Horsemen’ borrowed from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Sweet Home Alabama,’ showcasing their ability to seamlessly blend influences into their signature style. Even in their groundbreaking album ‘Master of Puppets,’ the ballad ‘Welcome Home (Sanitarium)’ found its origins in the work of the obscure metal band Bleak House, underscoring the band’s commitment to honoring their inspirations.

While borrowing from existing music is common in the industry, Metallica found themselves in a peculiar situation during the late 1990s when working with the San Francisco Symphony for the album S&M. The collaboration with arranger Michael Kamen resulted in the creation of a new track, ‘No Leaf Clover,’ where the orchestra’s grandeur elevated the emotional depth of Hetfield’s vocals. However, upon closer inspection, the song’s riff bore a striking resemblance to Aerosmith’s ‘Last Child,’ showcasing Metallica’s subtle nod to one of their major influences.

Despite acknowledging Aerosmith’s impact on his musical upbringing, Hetfield unintentionally mirrored Aerosmith’s riff in ‘Last Child’ in ‘No Leaf Clover.’ While the two songs differed in key and production, the similarities in note placement were undeniable, especially when accompanied by the orchestra. The contrast in the songs’ vibes is stark, with Aerosmith’s original groove exuding a smooth boogie feel, while Metallica’s version conveys a sense of impending doom fitting the song’s theme of facing consequences for past mistakes.

While Aerosmith may not pursue legal action, the parallels between the riffs raise questions about artistic inspiration and influence in music. Metallica’s ability to weave elements from their musical heroes into their compositions showcases their reverence for rock legends and their desire to create music that resonates with listeners on a profound level. Through subtle nods and creative reinterpretations, Metallica pays tribute to the giants of rock that paved the way for their own success.