The Metallica Report

The week of January 22, 2025 on The Metallica Report… We continue our techs-behind-the-band series with Justin Crew, Kirk Hammett’s right-hand guitar-man of 29 years. Justin recounts the genesis of his own career from Go West to AC/DC, how he landed the Metallica/Hammett gig, the terror of flatbed trucks, being on the Poor Touring Me tour, and what his work on M72 requires. Justin also discusses Greeny, the guitar famous in its own right, and his working relationship with last week’s guest and guitar tech to James Hetfield, Chad Zaemisch. The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. “Greeny” Les Paul Standard: https://www.gibson.com/en-US/kirk-hammett-greeny  Kirk Hammett ESP guitars: metallica.lnk.to/ESP-KirkHammett  Kirk Hammett Cry Baby® Wah: metallica.lnk.to/Dunlop-KH95  Kirk Hammett Jazz III Pick: metallica.lnk.to/Dunlop-47-KH3N  Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music   Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we have Steff and Renee introducing the American Masters: Creative Spark podcast from PBS. We've become regular listeners and hope you enjoy it too.

The week of January 15, 2025 on The Metallica Report… We hear from guitar tech Chad Zaemisch. He shares what it’s like being interviewed for a job by prospective boss James Hetfield, then details his creative and technical approach to the role. He discusses how the gig has changed over the last 22 years, what working a show is like, and the importance of trust in his relationship with James. Finally, Chad recalls some memorable and satisfying moments from the last two decades. The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. California Community Foundation: https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund  Pasadena Community Foundation: https://pasadenacf.org/supporting-our-community-eaton-canyon-fire-relief-recovery-fund  Lite-Time Wireless Stage Solutions: https://lite-time.com  James Hetfield ESP Products: metallica.lnk.to/ESP-JamesHetfield  Ernie Ball Papa Het Strings: metallica.lnk.to/ErnieBall-JamesHetfield  Papa Het Pick Tin: metallica.lnk.to/JH-PickTin  Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music   Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of January 8, 2025 on The Metallica Report… We speak with James Hetfield about his perennial and peerless lyrics. Our songwriter shares what he loves about the architecture of words, whether he sees himself as a storyteller, and his appreciation of Tom Waits. Then, we take a trip back through the So What! archives to revisit his approach to songs such as “Harvester Of Sorrow,” “Moth Into Flame,” and “ManUNkind.” Finally, he discusses the soul searching behind 72 Seasons and explains—what he has determined to be—the three phases of “Fuck it!”  Become a Fifth Member: https://www.metallica.com/fans  The Metallica Black Box: https://www.metallica.com/museum  Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music   Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of January 1, 2025 on The Metallica Report… As we welcome 2025, Steff and Renée had to take one last chance to appreciate the year that was with their favorite moments and guests from The Metallica Report 2024. From bird-watching to high school memories to world tour vibes, this one covers a lot of ground! So sit back and enjoy reminiscing with James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo, Brian Tatler, Les Claypool, Ron Quintana, Jeff Yeager, Dan Nykolayko, and, of course, our beloved hosts. The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of December 25, 2024 on The Metallica Report… With the holiday season in full swing, we hear from Metallica’s confirmed cinephile, Lars Ulrich. Having seen 18 films at the Mill Valley Film Festival alone, he speaks about some of his favorite movies over the last few months. And for good measure, Steff has him throw in his current musical flavors, as well. Meanwhile, Robert Trujillo shares his modest New Year’s Resolution: expanding his powers of communication with the world. Happy Holidays from Metallica HQ! The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Helping Hands Concert: https://www.youtube.com/live/7SIS9gYdmZY  Helping Hands Auction: https://helpinghandsauction.com  Mill Valley Film Festival: https://www.mvff.com  Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of December 18, 2024 on The Metallica Report… Steff and Renée bring all the details from last week’s Helping Hands Concert & Auction at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. Coverage starts during rehearsals when Lars and Robert share the band’s approach to the unique nature of this traditionally acoustic/electric show. Metallica superfan Jason Momoa takes us back to his entrée into music, his love of bass, and his admiration for All Within My Hands. Then, LA Rams Offensive Tackle Rob Havenstein–who used NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative to spotlight AWMH–shares how he discovered the mighty Metallica. We also get a review of the show itself, where our hosts discuss SistaStrings, Sammy Hagar and his “The Best Of All Worlds” band, and the very special Metallica sets. The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Helping Hands Auction: https://www.helpinghandsauction.com  All Within My Hands: https://www.allwithinmyhands.org  Jason Momoa: https://www.instagram.com/prideofgypsies  Rob Havenstein’s AWMH Cleats: https://www.helpinghandsauction.com/lite-ui/?controller=lots&action=showLot&id=78  Sammy Hagar: https://www.instagram.com/sammyhagar  SistaStrings: https://www.instagram.com/sistastrings  Avi Vinocur: https://www.instagram.com/avispersonalprofile Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of December 11, 2024 on The Metallica Report… Steff and Renée are getting ready for the fourth biennial Helping Hands Concert & Auction on Friday, December 13, by speaking with two of this year’s honorees. First, Renée catches up with actress Maggie Baird (aka the mother of Billie Eilish and Finneas) from Support + Feed. If that organization sounds familiar, it’s because Support + Feed joined us on the 2024 North American M72 run of shows, spreading the word about their work changing the food equity system through education around a plant-based diet. Next, Renée and Steff enjoy an in-depth chat with Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament, who discusses his non-profit organization, Montana Pool Service. MPS works to build world-class skate parks and connect youth communities in Montana, Washington, and South Dakota. Though unavailable to join the podcast this week, we still get to hear from Father Greg Boyle, the founder of our third honoree this year, Homeboy Industries. By providing hope, training, and support to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated people, Homeboy Industries has evolved into the largest gang intervention, rehab, and re-entry program in the world. The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Helping Hands Auction: https://www.helpinghandsauction.com  Support + Feed: http://supportandfeed.org  Montana Pool Service: http://montanapoolservice.com  Homeboy Industries: http://homeboyindustries.org  Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of December 4, 2024 on The Metallica Report… Metallica’s long-time tech, Zach Harmon, sits down to offer an overview of how the humble yet venerated guitar pick has developed over the years for this band. Zach explains the importance of shapes, colors, sizes, and styles of these tiny tools of the trade and reveals his own fervent attention to detail and creativity when it comes to such things as the now infamous “city picks.” The Metallica Report - your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Dunlop: https://www.jimdunlop.com/products/guitar-picks  Get picks at: https://www.metallica.com/store/accessories/picks-sticks  Upcoming M72 Tour Dates: https://www.metallica.com/tour   Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of November 27, 2024 on The Metallica Report… Here in America, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow. For many of us, Thanksgiving day is full of lots of food, of course, and spending time with family. “Family.” That word can mean so many different things depending on who you ask. So, we checked in with a few people in our orbit to hear what family means to them, kicking it off with our own Papa Het. The Metallica Report - your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Upcoming M72 Tour Dates: https://www.metallica.com/tour  Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of November 20, 2024 on The Metallica Report… Adam Dubin, the man behind A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica, joins Steffan and Renée to revisit his time behind the Metallica curtain and share why his approach to filming struck the right chord. He also gives us a more personal look into a pivotal time in the lives of the young band members. The Metallica Report - your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Adam Dubin: https://www.instagram.com/dubinator64  A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/a-year-and-a-half-in-the-life-of-metallica/umc.cmc.671p1wmt7yvra5lly8vdl2wn4  Upcoming M72 Tour Dates: https://www.metallica.com/tour  Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of November 13, 2024 on The Metallica Report… This special episode of “The Metallica Report” delivers a rare conversation between Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains and Metallica’s own Robert Trujillo. With Steffan’s help, the pair delve into their early days, sharing their influences and how they first connected. They also discuss their work together on Jerry’s solo work, particularly his new album, I Want Blood, and why collaboration is so crucial to both of them. It is a unique, free-flowing conversation about the art of songwriting between two old friends and accomplished musicians. The Metallica Report - your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Jerry Cantrell: https://jerrycantrell.com  “I Want Blood”: https://shop.jerrycantrell.com  Upcoming M72 Tour Dates: https://www.metallica.com/tour  Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of November 6, 2024 on The Metallica Report… On the anniversary of 2022’s tribute show honoring the lives of Jonny and Marsha Zazula, James, Lars, Kirk, and Robert remember the pair who jumpstarted Metallica’s career with Megaforce Records. In 1983, the right man on the opposite coast got ahold of a No Life ’Til Leather cassette tape. This man and his business partner/wife became integral in the lives of the young members of Metallica. The band's gratitude for the parental-like support is still palpable decades later. The Metallica Report - your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Megaforce Records: https://www.megaforcerecords.com  Upcoming M72 Tour Dates: https://www.metallica.com/tour  Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Week of October 30, 2024 on The Metallica Report… Steffan and Renée have a lot of ground to cover. First, our hosts ask Robert Trujillo and artist Rhys Cooper about Metallica’s return to Australia. Then, in the Spooky Season spirit, James and Robert chime in on what horror is to them. Finally, Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills joins the podcast to discuss “A Work of Art,” the band’s song and extended music video for the new horror film “Terrifier 3,” and his lifelong love of slasher films. The Metallica Report - your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Upcoming M72 Tour Dates: https://www.metallica.com/tour  Ice Nine Kills: https://iceninekills.com    “A Work of Art” Official Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9TzUxGPbI0  Rhys Cooper: https://www.instagram.com/rhyscooperart  Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of October 23, 2024 on The Metallica Report… In honor of World Mental Health Day, Steffan and Renée tackle the important issue of self-care with James and Kirk, as Metallica’s guitarists share their secrets for staying healthy both in mind and body.  James discusses meditation—how it has helped him, the many forms it takes, and why sometimes disengaging from the world is necessary. Kirk focuses on nutrition and his strategy for taking care of his body on the road. He travels with a little kitchen, ready to be set up in any hotel room in the world, so he can enjoy homemade soup and salads, often using vegetables from his own gardens. The Metallica Report - your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. World Mental Health Day:  https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of October 16, 2024 on The Metallica Report… It’s all about Metallica Remastered, the new machine from the premier pinball game designers and manufacturers at Stern Pinball. Renée moderates a roundtable discussion of the evolution of the game with Stern’s Director of Licensing and Marketing, Jody Dankberg, artist and designer of the graphics, Rhys Cooper, and our in-house Pinball Wizard, HQ’s own Jeff Yeager. The”Pinball Committee” collaborated for almost two years to update the original Metallica game, released in 2013. Adding eight new songs, expanded gameplay, live video footage, additional game modes, and all the new technology was a labor of love for this team.   The Metallica Report - your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Stern Pinball: https://sternpinball.com/ Rhys Cooper: https://studioseppuku.bigcartel.com/ Metallica Store: https://www.metallica.com/store/stern-pinball/ Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of October 9, 2024 on The Metallica Report… Steffan and Renée are joined by Kirk Hammett to discuss one of the most revered guitars in rock and roll history: Greeny. One part Gibson Les Paul Standard and one part magic, Kirk gushes about his relationship with what he has dubbed “The People’s Guitar.” But even the best guitars and guitarists are incomplete without a kick-ass tech, so Kirk shares some insight into the final piece of his power trio, the multi-talented Justin Crew. James Hetfield stops in to share what about M72 2023 & 2024 will be carried over to future performances and why “mistakes” are nothing to be afraid of. The Metallica Report - your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Upcoming M72 Tour Dates: https://www.metallica.com/tour  An Interview with Metallica’s Techs: http://metallica.lnk.to/sw-backline Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of October 2, 2024 on The Metallica Report… Steffan gives Renée —and all of us—the lowdown on how Metallica’s two weekends in Mexico City wrapped up, including updates on support acts, Lucha Libre, Robert’s Spanish, James’ take on Robert and Kirk’s spotlight in the set, and the way metal is deeply rooted in the region’s culture. Episode 60 guest Karla Farrugia (Mexitallica Chapter Head) turned Steffan on to local metal band S7N, who started their career playing Metallica covers before releasing original music. The band toured five maximum-security prisons in Mexico City for their documentary, “Sin Barreras,” which just won three awards at Cannes. Steffan spoke to the film’s directors Gonzalo Figueroa and Louisa Melo to learn why music is at the heart of their film, and to S7N frontman, Mao Kanto, about why this was such a profound experience for the band. The Metallica Report - your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Upcoming M72 Tour Dates: https://www.metallica.com/tour  S7N: https://s7nmusic.bandcamp.com/album/fearless  “Sin Barreras” Trailer: https://youtu.be/1pmtEqCrArs  Metallica Marching Band Competition: https://www.metallicamarchingband.com  Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of September 25, 2024 on The Metallica Report… We hear an excerpt of James Hetfield’s conversation about his relationship with Cliff Burton, as delivered by one of the driving forces behind “Orion: A Tribute to Cliff Burton,” Dan Nykolayko. Joining Steffan, Dan also discusses this final installment of the exhibit, and what he learned about the iconic bassist. While in Mexico City, Steffan takes to the floor to catch up with members of the local fan club chapter, Mexitallica, who live up to their reputation as some of the most passionate Metallica fans in the world! The Metallica Report - your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Upcoming M72 Tour Dates: https://www.metallica.com/tour  Orion: A Tribute to Cliff Burton: https://www.metallica.com/museum  Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The week of September 18, 2024 on The Metallica Report… The Metallica Machine is revving up to take on Mexico City! The band is set to play four nights over the next two weekends at Estadio GNP Seguros, and for their part, Steffan and Renée are getting ready by chatting with Mexitallica Chapter Head Karla Farrugia. Karla shares her perspective on why Metallica and Mexico City are such a special combination and relives some of her - and our - favorite Metalli-moments in CDMX. The Metallica Report - your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Upcoming M72 Tour Dates: https://www.metallica.com/tour   Orgullo, Pasión, y Gloria: Tres Noches en la Ciudad de México: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/orgullo-pasion-y-gloria-tres-noches-en-mexico/umc.cmc.7jf728n2z5llf6w549nbfral0 Music from The Metallica Report: https://metallica.lnk.to/TMR-music  Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices