The drummer Lars Ulrich called “incredibly technically gifted”
Lars Ulrich of Metallica has consistently been transparent about his musical influences. In acknowledging drumming excellence, he pays tribute to a diverse array of talents who have profoundly influenced his own musical evolution. While Ulrich’s inspirations notably encompass iconic figures like Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham, he also reveres the legendary prowess of late Rush star Neil Peart, among others.
In truth, Metallica’s drumming hero has always been open about how much he owes to the Rush icon, who inspired him musically and offered him advice when he needed it most. What made Peart such a well-loved master of the art was his comprehensive expertise in his craft and his subsequent wealth of knowledge, which he readily shared with the younger generation.
Understandably, therefore, Ulrich was devastated following Peart’s passing, prompting him to pen an emotional post on social media upon learning of the news. “Thank you for what you did for drummers all over the world with your passion, your approach, your principles and your unwavering commitment to the instrument!” he wrote.
Ulrich first crossed paths with Peart in 1984 when Metallica’s manager, who had also managed Rush a few years prior, pulled some strings and gave him Peart’s number so that they could discuss drumming. Ulrich worked up the courage to give “the God of Gods” a call, as he put it, and they spoke “for like half an hour about Tama drums”.
As Ulrich recalled: “I had drum questions about gear and this and that. He goes, ‘Neil loves to talk to younger drummers.’ Then he goes, ‘Call Neil. He wants to hear from you.’ And it was, like, ‘Huh?!’ I was 20 years old with not a pot to piss in. […] The whole thing was like a fairy tale. You can’t play drums and not love Neil. You can’t not be appreciative and respectful.”
However, when choosing his ultimate drumming hero, Ulrich opted for a different musician. Discussing the battle between Peart and Bonham with Howard Stern, Ulrich said: “It’s fucking hard. Listen, I’ve been asked that question, on and off, for 40 years. I would put two additional names on that list. Deep Purple’s Ian Paice is an incredibly technically gifted drummer. Phil Rudd is what gives AC/DC that incredible bounce and swing.”
“You mentioned ‘When The Levee Breaks’. I mean, that’s classic Bonham. The drums are big, thunderous, ambient. He’s a little bit behind on the snare. And it’s got that groove. He’s in the pocket,” he added, before concluding: “Between Neil [Peart] and between John [Bonham], no disrespect, but I’ll have to go with John Bonham.”
