Ahead of the premiere of Jonas Åkerlund’s new documentary, Metallica Saved My Life, at the Tribeca Film Festival on Thursday (June 11), drummer Lars Ulrich spoke with Variety and shared his thoughts about his band’s passionate fanbase. Instead of focusing on the heavy metal legends themselves – like the 2004 rock doc, Some Kind of Monster – the new film shifts focus to Metallica’s devoted megafans and their deep connection to the band’s music. Ulrich and his bandmates certainly appreciate their enthusiastic fans who have stuck with them over the years. “When you talk to 10 people, 20 people, 50 people — and we do talk to a lot through meet and greets and interacting with fans — everyone’s got a different story,” Ulrich says. “Everybody’s got a different album that they latch on to. Everybody’s got a different song. Everybody’s got a different reason for getting into the band. I think it’s the beauty of it, especially when you’ve been around as long as we have.” (Variety)

Getty Images
Lars Ulrich Reflects On Band’s Fanbase Ahead Of ‘Metallica Saved My Life’ Premiere
Jun 11, 2025 | 7:00 PM