Lars Ulrich’s drumming abilities have made for a divisive conversation amongst metal pundits of the world for decades now. Although he’s managed the lay it down for one of history’s most influential and commercially successful metal bands, he’s never quite been able to convince the world of his talents (probably because he’s forgotten at times, you can’t drum with your ego!).
In a recent interview with Polar Music Prize, Lars explained that he’s never been “interested” in drumming ability – whether this acts as a justifier behind his at times sub-par playing or a total cop-out is entirely up to you.
“I’ve never been very interested in ability,” Ulrich said. “‘Oh, wow! This guy is so great!’ Yeah, he’s so great, but it doesn’t mean that he can make it swing, or it doesn’t mean that he can make it work within a group or a collective.”
He continued to add that he was always more concerned with the “song” itself and plays drums merely as part of the “bigger picture”, doing what he can to aid whatever the piece of music needs, rather than using it as an opportunity to get flashy.
“To me, it’s always about the song,” he continues. “The band first—and the drums or the guitars, or whatever else is going on, is just part of the big picture. So what you always have to do is check your ego at the door and do what’s best for the song, for the music, for the overall sound.”
He also cited his drumming inspiration was originally derived from prog-rock legend, Deep Purple’s Ian Paice, the Rolling Stones Charlie Watts and AC/DC’s Phil Rudd.
To further prove his lack of interest in the instrument, he added that he “doesn’t even like to practice by himself” and simply enjoys just “being in a band, writing songs”.
Check out the entire interview below:
