James Hetfield shares thoughts on Slipknot
As Heavy Metal music continued to evolve over the years, Metallica emerged as a game-changer in the genre. Founded by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich in 1981, Metallica brought a fresh, faster, and heavier sound to the scene, paving the way for what would soon become known as Thrash Metal. Their influence on a new generation of musicians was undeniable, setting the stage for the evolution of the genre in the years to come.
In the 1990s, Metallica underwent significant experimentation, exploring new sounds and styles, drawing inspiration from the Grunge movement that was popular at the time. As the decade drew to a close, Nu Metal bands began to emerge, reshaping the landscape of the heavy music scene. Among these bands was Slipknot, a group that garnered the attention of James Hetfield, the frontman of Metallica, due to their intense and innovative approach to music.
James Hetfield expressed his admiration for Slipknot, particularly praising the band’s vocalist, Corey Taylor, who also happened to be a close friend of Metallica. However, Hetfield did express some reservations about musicians who divided their focus among multiple side projects, questioning their dedication and loyalty to their main band. Despite this, he acknowledged Taylor’s talent and praised Slipknot’s musical contributions to the genre.
Metallica’s connection to Slipknot runs deeper than mere admiration. In 2004, Slipknot had the opportunity to tour as Metallica’s opening act, a relationship that further cemented the bond between the two bands. Moreover, Slipknot’s third album, “Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses),” released in 2004, played a crucial role in Metallica’s decision to work with the renowned producer Rick Rubin on their ninth studio album, “Death Magnetic”. Hetfield cited Slipknot’s sonic innovation as a key factor in their choice to collaborate with Rubin, who had previously worked with other successful Nu Metal bands.
One notable moment that showcased the camaraderie between Metallica and Slipknot occurred in 2004 when Metallica’s drummer, Lars Ulrich, suffered an anxiety attack and had to be hospitalized just before a performance at the Download Festival in England. Slipknot’s drummer, Joey Jordison, stepped in to help, performing alongside Slayer’s Dave Lombardo to ensure that the concert went on as planned. Jordison described the experience as a dream come true, highlighting the unique opportunity to play with one of his musical heroes.
Interestingly, Slipknot’s connection to Metallica included a light-hearted incident involving stolen beers. Corey Taylor once admitted that Slipknot had pilfered beers from Metallica during a tour in the early 2000s. When questioned about the theft, James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett took it in good humor, viewing it as a rite of passage for up-and-coming bands. Hetfield emphasized the importance of supporting fellow musicians and fostering a sense of camaraderie within the industry.
Both Hetfield and Taylor have openly discussed their struggles with alcoholism and the journey to sobriety. In a candid interview, Taylor revealed that witnessing Hetfield’s commitment to sobriety served as an inspiration for his own path to recovery. Taylor’s acknowledgment of the impact Hetfield had on his decision to get sober underscores the profound influence that musicians can have on each other both musically and personally.
In conclusion, the relationship between Metallica and Slipknot transcends mere musical admiration, showcasing a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between two bands that have shaped the course of Heavy Metal. From shared tours to collaborative projects, these bands have forged a connection that highlights the enduring influence and camaraderie within the realm of Heavy Metal music.