Back in Time Today
Even the mighty Metallica—arguably the most successful metal band of all time—has had its share of facepalm moments. From trainwreck performances to public feuds and cringe-inducing collaborations, these awkward episodes live on in infamy. Here are 17 times Metallica made fans wince—and still do.
1. Lars Ulrich vs. Napster: The Internet War That Backfired
Lars Ulrich’s battle against Napster in the early 2000s stands as a pivotal moment in music history. The internet was divided when Metallica’s drummer took a stand against music piracy, fighting for artists’ rights. However, the backlash was immense, painting Ulrich as a villain against free music. Fans, especially the younger generation, saw him as out of touch with technological progress. Despite his justified intentions, Ulrich’s image took a hit. The long-lasting impact of this lawsuit highlighted the challenges artists face in the digital age, forever linking Metallica with one of music’s most infamous legal battles.
2. That Time They Performed with Lady Gaga… and Her Mic Didn’t Work
The collaboration between Metallica and Lady Gaga at the 2017 Grammy Awards was highly anticipated. However, the performance quickly turned awkward when James Hetfield’s microphone failed completely, leaving him visibly frustrated. Kicking a mic stand and hurling his guitar offstage, Hetfield’s anger was palpable. This tech disaster overshadowed what should have been a genre-blending triumph. Despite Gaga’s attempts to salvage the performance, the moment became a symbol of live performance unpredictability. Fans were left cringing at the unprofessional mishap, marking it as one of Metallica’s most infamous live blunders.
3. The “St. Anger” Snare Drum Debacle
The release of “St. Anger” in 2003 bewildered Metallica fans, largely due to Lars Ulrich’s snare drum. The tinny, trash-can-like sound became infamous, sparking memes and criticism. Many questioned the production choices, as the drum’s peculiar tone overshadowed the album’s heavier themes. Despite efforts to innovate, the snare sound detracted from the music’s impact, leaving listeners puzzled. Years later, it remains a topic of debate among fans and critics alike. “St. Anger” may have aimed for rawness, but its execution led to one of metal’s most head-scratching moments.
4. When James Hetfield Told a Crowd He Was Allergic to Smoke… in Colorado
During a performance in Denver, Colorado, James Hetfield surprised fans by abruptly leaving the stage. The reason? An allergic reaction to the smoke machines. In a state known for other kinds of smoke, fans couldn’t help but laugh at the irony. Hetfield’s asthma issues didn’t earn much sympathy; instead, it sparked ridicule and a flood of memes. The awkward moment highlighted the challenges performers face with environmental factors, but in this case, the irony was too rich to ignore, making it a memorable misstep in Metallica’s live show history.
5. The Entire “Some Kind of Monster” Documentary
The 2004 documentary “Some Kind of Monster” was meant to offer an inside look into Metallica’s dynamics. Instead, it revealed raw, uncomfortable moments as the band underwent group therapy. Awkward silences, emotional breakdowns, and candid conversations made for compelling yet cringe-worthy viewing. While it showcased the human side of rock legends, it also exposed their vulnerabilities. Fans were torn between appreciation for the honesty and discomfort at the band’s struggles. This unfiltered glimpse into the rock world remains both a cautionary tale and a fascinating study of fame’s pressures.
6. James Hetfield Walks Off the Stage in Brazil
In 1993, Metallica’s concert in Brazil took an unexpected turn when James Hetfield walked offstage mid-song. Frustrated by technical difficulties and rowdy fans, Hetfield’s dramatic exit left the band in disarray. The incident sparked debate among fans about professionalism and artist’s limits. While some sympathized with Hetfield’s frustrations, others criticized the abrupt departure. The chaos that followed became a talking point for years, highlighting the pressures of live performances. For Metallica, it was a moment that underlined both their human side and the unpredictable nature of rock shows.
7. The Lulu Album with Lou Reed—What Were They Thinking?
Metallica’s 2011 collaboration with Lou Reed, “Lulu,” was unlike anything fans expected. Touted as avant-garde, it quickly became infamous for its peculiar lyrics and sound. The phrase “I am the table” epitomized the bewilderment. Critics were brutal, and fans were left puzzled by the artistic direction. Despite its ambition, “Lulu” failed to resonate with Metallica’s core audience. Yet, it gained a cult following, albeit not for the right reasons. The album serves as a reminder of the risks in artistic experimentation, and its legacy is one of perplexing curiosity.
8. The Playboy Interview That Tore the Band Apart
In 2001, a Playboy interview exposed deep rifts within Metallica. Candid comments from Lars Ulrich about ex-bandmate Dave Mustaine, and James Hetfield’s criticism of former bassist Jason Newsted, aired dirty laundry publicly. The interview exacerbated existing tensions, leading to internal discord. Fans were caught in the drama, witnessing the band’s personal conflicts unfold. This public airing of grievances provided an unvarnished look at the challenges of maintaining harmony in a high-stakes band. It remains a potent reminder of how personal and professional lines can blur in the music industry.
9. When Kirk Hammett Forgot the “Nothing Else Matters” Solo
During a 2019 concert in Milan, Kirk Hammett faced every musician’s nightmare: forgetting a solo. As he stumbled through the intro to “Nothing Else Matters,” the audience’s secondhand embarrassment was palpable. Hammett’s laughter at his own mistake lightened the mood, but the mishap was hard to ignore. This rare lapse from the seasoned guitarist showcased the human side of rock legends. Fans were reminded that even the greats are not immune to on-stage blunders, adding an unexpected twist to an otherwise iconic performance.
10. That Time They Played Glastonbury and Everyone Hated It
In 2014, Metallica’s headlining performance at Glastonbury Festival was met with controversy. Known for its indie and alternative music, the festival’s choice to feature the heavy metal giants puzzled many. Critics deemed the band ‘too heavy,’ and some attendees even staged protests. Despite a strong performance, the tension between festival-goers and the band was undeniable. The reaction highlighted the cultural divide between Metallica’s intense sound and Glastonbury’s eclectic lineup. It became a defining moment of genre clash, remembered for its unexpected friction at a traditionally diverse event.
11. The Cringe of the “Until It Sleeps” Music Video
The music video for “Until It Sleeps,” released in 1996, left fans scratching their heads. With its surreal, gothic imagery, complete with face paint, snakes, and religious overtones, the video felt like a fever dream. It marked a visual departure from Metallica’s previous work, leading some to question the band’s artistic direction. While ambitious in its symbolism, the video was met with mixed reactions. Critics and fans debated its meaning, adding to the album’s intrigue. The video’s bold stylistic choices remain a peculiar chapter in Metallica’s visual history.
12. The Awkward Silence After Winning a Grammy for the Wrong Category
Metallica’s Grammy journey has been turbulent. In 1990, they lost Best Hard Rock/Metal to Jethro Tull—a shock in itself. But in 1991, the band won Best Metal Performance for “One.” The announcement was rushed, and the band faced an awkward silence as they were cut off mid-speech. This moment reflected the sometimes perplexing nature of music award shows. Despite the win, the experience was bittersweet, leaving Metallica puzzled. It remains a testament to the unpredictable world of music accolades, where even victories can feel strangely hollow.
13. James Hetfield Falls Through a Trap Door—Mid-Song
During a 2000 concert, James Hetfield unexpectedly fell through a stage trapdoor mid-performance. Although he wasn’t seriously injured, the incident was jarring. Fans watched in shock as Hetfield disappeared momentarily, leading to a collective cringe. The mishap became a humorous anecdote in Metallica lore, a reminder of the unpredictability of live shows. Despite the initial scare, Hetfield’s resilience shone through. The incident’s footage is revisited by fans, symbolizing both the hazards and humor found in the world of rock concerts.
14. The Awkward Kiss with Guitar Tech at Rock in Rio
At the 2013 Rock in Rio, James Hetfield stirred unexpected buzz by jokingly kissing a guitar tech on stage. Intended as a light-hearted moment, it caught viewers off guard, sparking unnecessary online drama. While some found it amusing, others were perplexed by the gesture. This incident highlighted the fine line between humor and misinterpretation in the digital age. The playful act, though harmless, serves as an example of how on-stage antics can quickly become viral talking points, adding to the unpredictable nature of live performances.
15. That Bizarre French TV Appearance with Puppets
In the late ’90s, Metallica’s appearance on a French talk show took a bizarre turn. Joined by puppet versions of themselves, the band participated in a surreal interview. The unusual setup left fans bewildered, mixing humor with unease. The host’s use of muppet-like figures was unexpected, adding to the episode’s odd charm. This quirky moment remains a light-hearted, if not head-scratching, entry in Metallica’s media appearances. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of television and the strange situations bands can find themselves in.
16. When They Covered Prince and Butchered It
Metallica’s attempt to cover Prince’s “When Doves Cry” left much to be desired. The tribute performance was met with mixed reactions, as the band’s heavy style clashed with Prince’s iconic sound. Fans of both artists were left puzzled by the rendition, which struggled to capture the essence of the original. Despite their best efforts, the cover became a lesson in musical contrasts. It remains a memorable example of how ambitious tributes can sometimes miss the mark, serving as a reminder of the challenges in honoring legendary works.
17. The “Reload” Haircuts
The late ’90s saw a visual shift for Metallica as they debuted short haircuts during the Load/Reload era. Fans were taken aback by the drastic change, marking a departure from the band’s traditional headbanging image. The new look sparked debate and mixed reactions, with some embracing the change and others longing for the classic Metallica style. This transformation highlighted the band’s willingness to evolve artistically, but also underscored the challenges of balancing image with musical identity. The haircuts remain a defining moment, symbolizing a bold era in their history.