Is LARS Ulrich IRREPLACEABLE for METALLICA?

-Is LARS Ulrich IRREPLACEABLE for METALLICA?
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[@BucNasT]

Everyone loves to shit talk on Lars (including myself) but if he was actually replaced, the music wouldn't sound/feel right. So screw you Lars, don't ever leave the band. We need you.

[@BosGaurus05]

Yeah its fun to watch lars. He is exciting

[@Tdrummer888]

Replacing the way Lars sounds nowadays is THE POINT. He ruins all of his songs because he doesn’t try. Lars himself sounds less like 80s Lars than basically any drummer they could hire who actually practice.

[@k1775]

@@Tdrummer888 if you had said it 10 years ago maybe there was the change of a single percent that I would have agreed. But today, this comment is just unoriginal and outdated

[@hinjurock70]

@@Tdrummer888 WRONG. Completely wrong. Just because he doesn't play as many fills or as much fast double bass as he did on their 80's material doesn't mean that he doesn't play similar to how he did.

[@eetfuk3571]

absolutely. it's easy to make fun of Lars because the internet told them to do so, but cmon, Metallica will never sound like Metallica without him.

[@cybergeek8410]

Your mom and dad analogy makes me laugh because I've always described the Metallica relationship as James and Lars' dysfunctional marriage, Kirk is the kid who gets neglected, and the bassists are the dog that James and Lars get to keep Kirk happy.

[@LDXReal]

Oh my god same, I've always felt they were like a family with Kirk being the baby lol

[@DaEpicTable]

Cliff is the baby who died 3 yrs old

[@DoNuT_1985]

It just proves that there is more to a band than the sum of their musical abilities. He's just the right guy to be in the band for the reasons mentioned in the video, that outweighs the expectations everybody has in him as a drummer. Metallica needs him as a person and many of their songs would lack their raw energy if somebody else would write "perfect" parts. Doesn't mean that some of their more complex/proggy tracks would not have benefitted from more intricate drumming, but overall, he's the man.

[@Hoscitt]

There's a really good quote from Lars to the effect of he knows he's not the best drummer in the world but he's the best at playing with James / James' riffs. And he's also the arranger and producer!

[@cristianlopez_8486]

That last point is something that many people overlook and don't give him enough credit for. While yes, James writes a majority of the riffs and lyrics, Lars helps with arranging alot of the song structures and having those riffs fit within the song. That is the reason why he's rightfully credited in 90% of Metallica's songs imo.

[@crelandod1770]

Man, I can't thank you enough. You're one of the few people on the internet who truly listens and who truly cares. You've absolutely hit the nail on the head with this video. I just wish you had a bigger audience, so this video would be seen by those sad people who constantly complain about Lars. I also loved your video on Kirk. You always stand up for Metallica and show people that they're at the top for a reason. Thank you again!

[@EllieNotSoSmelly]

While Lars is not the greatest drummer in the world, he does bring a passion to the band that nobody else can. At this point, Lars is irreplaceable

[@redrick8900]

No. He's objectively the greatest drummer in the world.

[@c0hink176]

@@redrick8900 good one lol

[@MegaTeostyle]

Not at this point. Without Lars there would not be Metallica.

[@juanarocha8629]

He's not the best drummer, but he's an integral part of the Metallica family, (and the business mind too). We love him, we hate him. But at the end of the day, Uncle Lars is who he is

[@ShadowKiller571]

He definitely brings good stage presence despite being behind the kit. It's cool to see him stand up while playing and still interact with the crowd

[@adambickford8720]

Lars has the ability to still hear things from a 'layman' pov, which is a very underrated ability. It helps Metallica create music that's complex enough to be interesting but still accessible/thematic enough for people that are only familiar with a standard 4/4 beat to enjoy. Imagine if Dave Mustaine had a Lars to keep some of his more cornball ideas in check.

[@michaelw6277]

He’s an example of how imperfection can make something better and more interesting. I remember hearing Dave Grohl saying something a while ago about a flaw in his drumming during one of the Nirvana sessions and how it ultimately added texture to the music, but also how that flaw would be edited out today due to more modern recording methods.

[@blakestanaker]

the crashes on the 2’s are something I use a lot in my songwriting thanks to him. it adds a super dramatic feel and makes certain songs seem fuller, even underneath something simple

[@MKDumas1981]

I think he got that from Phil Rudd of AC/DC. Those feel natural when playing AC/DC, just as much as when playing Metallica. Crash+snare on the 4 is pretty cool, too.

[@vicariousjohnson9823]

The snare on 2 and 4 while doing the kick on 1 and 3??? Simply insane!

[@javi5810]

Kirk is like the little kid just having fun hanging out because he loves his family and music

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

I always loved that crash on 2, it's like almost like an extra reverb for the snare hit, it's awesome and I have never understood why more players don't use that trick it's F*cking sick lol.

[@lovemetal2467]

Without Lars, there is no James. They're a eclectic and powerful songwriting team. James could never work with another drummer, the writing dynamic and musical respect as musicians would be gone. Plain and Simple.

[@MKDumas1981]

Watch what you say. I could do it.

[@lordoftheelements2112]

This is why Lars Ulrich DOESN’T suck. He gets so much backlash and hate! I appreciate you pointing out the good things about his drumming. And saying that his playing is very human is the best way to put it, and I like how you think about him like being a jazz drummer in a metal band. Great work and thanks for sharing!

[@insertnamehere4419]

He can't keep time to save his life, and people like you call it a "technique" lol

[@lordoftheelements2112]

@@insertnamehere4419 🤣🤣

[@Zoologic21]

I don’t know really much of anything about drumming yet, but I appreciate your videos on the topic! Great to see more of this, I was a big fan of your Ringo video too.

[@zeromath20]

Hey there fellow Michael Jackson fan

[@dsrecords22]

He always felt anxious in and justice for all, like the snare and hi hat were ahead of the beat and the bass drum floated a little before or after. Love that.

[@icemanire5467]

Hetfield always has this heavy beefy riffs that Lars' solid beats just compliment so much.

[@samkupper]

If Lars Left than all the Metallica interviews and metal documentaries would like like 20 min shorter in run time.

[@icaanul]

With less tongue action and strange jokes.

[@Fister_of_Muppets]

Lars takes a lot of heat... but really, Metallica wouldn't be the same without him. Might never have existed without him either.

[@thequebee_0101]

not might, lars was the founder, they would definitely not exist

[@pkj77]

might not?? he owns the right to Metallica so

[@insertnamehere4419]

You're right. It would be better without him.

[@Peron1-MC]

@@insertnamehere4419 you dont like metallica?

[@manuelpasserini4618]

I tink lars can do the marketing business, and let the drums, Metallica with a ok drummer would be awesome, james still can write amazing riffs but james must down his level to lars play at this ruins Metallica work

[@DeadRingerMachine]

I LOVE your videos man. My son is in his 2nd semester of a Musical Performance degree at Georgia Southern University, he watches your stuff all the time too. He's a beast on the guitar, so keep helping him out. I taught him everything I know and now that he destroys me I realize just how very little I know... 😕

[@collectingtengu4905]

Good to see and hear something positive about Lars. Since the release of Lux Æterna I read a lot about negative stuff about Metallica and especially Lars Ulrich. It's somewhat sad that negativity is so widespread in social media...

[@MKDumas1981]

Because it gets attention.

[@trentthiem3506]

Great Video, I also love your Drumming Techniques Videos do you think you will ever do a drumming technique video on taylor hawkins

[@lewismaclean8849]

Great video. Would love to see you do more drum videos in the future. Also like I’ve said before in previous comments, would love to see you do a artist series on Linkin Park and or Trivium’s guitarists Matt and Corey.

[@TotalDESSSS]

Great video, great list. Totally agree

[@nathanbell8932]

Some great insights that you could only get from being in a band. So much more involved than just playing an instrument. Great video.

[@jayyoutube8790]

Of course he’s irreplaceable. It’s not his ability necessarily to play drums, but is ability to to work with James to achieve the music they have in mind. It’s a “lucky combo”

[@walliegirl2]

KInd of like Ringo being irreplaceable for the Beatles. You know the sound of Ringo once he hits the drum. Same thing with Charlie Watts being irreplaceable for the Stones. Boham for Led Zeppelin and Keith Moon for the Who.

[@fallenshallrise]

People talk about speeding up a fill leading into the next part or leaving a bit of a pause before dropping into a really heavy part like it's a bad thing because 'you must stay on the grid you must stay on the grid'. Tempo changes are something that brings energy and power to music, it's not just set and forget, in classical they have lots of speed ups and slow downs and pauses written into the music, and a whole person who's only job is to direct the tempo and control how it builds and surges through the piece.

[@Peron1-MC]

as you where playing and justice for all, one and battery i realised that its rare that i instantly know what song it is just by the drums. that is pretty special.

[@MNskins11]

This was very thoughtful and well said.

[@HardbrasH1]

great vid, would like to see more drum stuff

[@jaymz]

Very nice video, The Art Of Drums :)

[@acerimmer8338]

Right on! There's something I've always loved about his drumming. The fact that things feel a little 'off' really adds charm to the music and keeps it interesting. And it's very unique as well; as you've shown, songs are instantly recognizable just from the drums. Many more talented drummers sound generic in comparison.

[@nealskydive]

Download at Donington Park 2004 was the gig in question 🙂

[@joelmenezes1797]

No one can replace Lars!! Metallica won't be the same without him!! 👍🏻🫡

[@MegaTeostyle]

Countdown to extinction for Metallica without Lars.

[@jeffmccambridge5204]

I always find it amazing no one ever talks about the triplets. Most of the gallops people emulate from the older albums are actually triplets but no one ever plays them correctly or acknowledges them.

[@timz3146]

1:51 And Justice For All drum beat is so powerful, that it just breaks drum sticks. Just WOW!

[@H.E.M.]

8:05 fucking love that clip. 😂

[@ultragkart6789]

Absolutely brilliant Mike thank you so much for this 💪🤘🤘

[@metalpuppet5798]

Lars' simpler style is exactly what Metallica needs. They dont need an insanely technical drummer. Lars can do pretty technical stuff if he wants to and if it fits the song.

[@MKDumas1981]

Danny Carey, for example, is a phenomenal drummer, but wouldn't work in Metallica. TOOL is a drum-driven band, where Metallica is a guitar-driven band. I also don't know that Danny has Lars's ear for arranging.

[@eetfuk3571]

@@MKDumas1981 that's the perfect explanation. Metallica with any other great drummers would sound great and shit at the same time. they would sound great in a sense that all of them are great musicians, but would sound shit at the same time due to they override each other instead of complimenting each other. Lars isn't even the best drummer in Metallica, it's James Hetfield. he put drum beats in his riffs, while Lars' drumming is just fillers for James' drum beats. people seems never understand that until today.

[@ghostfeller8028]

Lars is the Ringo Starr of metal.

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

Is that an insult or compliment? 🤣

[@Archangel_Michaels]

Mike My bro Darcy "Pete" Peterson ( RIP) was the best rock drummer that I've ever played with for 40+ years. Thank you for sticking with the facts and musicianship instead of opinion and politics. One of the many reasons I'm a faithful subscriber and fan Thanks Mike !!! 😎

[@MashaT22]

Well said! Every single point! Totally irreplaceable!

[@jakeguercia7755]

Joey playing for whom the bell tolls was NUTS… double kicks everywhere 😂

[@Shidoobee2807]

Thank you Mike for this video. I‘m 100% with you. Being a guitarist and drummer myself and a big Metallica fan, I always do the same analyses as you. I don’t do videos on that, but I put up some (GarageBand) Metallica Covers on my channel with big focus on doing the drums (programmed, but anyways) in the style of how Lars plays the Songs live. (Guitars and bass played with real instruments) I never promote my channel anywhere, but regarding this topic I say everyone is welcome to check it out 🤘

[@zachary963]

Love that thing about your shortcomings becoming your style. Two of my favorite bands have kinda the same thing with their guitarists. The Edge from U2 isn’t terribly technical, but his reliance on special effects defines the band. And then the other example is my favorite: Robert Smith from The Cure is not very technical either, but he relies on melodic hooks and interactions with the other instruments more so than a lot of other “lead guitarists”.

[@parkerfeatherston]

I often wonder what metallica would have sounded like if they had fired lars when they wanted to, but it's hard to imagine because he's helped write so many iconic songs.

[@mattdad8429]

I honestly don't think we'd be talking about them right now. They were popular at that time, but not anywhere on the level they went to post-Puppets. A significant reason for that is Lars himself.

[@steve_pooch]

Joey told me his story of playing with them.... how crazy it was to look up and have hetfield raging in front of the kit....he also told me everything was so hectic on stage and that he couldn't hear much, but when he was jamming with them in the tuning room before the gig that's where it really hit him/blew him away

[@michaelcordero5588]

Source: "trust me bro"

[@kemikalsound902]

100% agree...I had that question answered before I even started the video. Played with quite a few drummers over the years, and when covering a Metallica song, it didn't really sound right until one of the drummers played the "right" parts. This was decades ago, but it immediately became obvious how integral Lars is to the band. Great video

[@Skeleton_Dork]

Mike's headcanon about Metallica's domestic disputes is not something I thought I'd be hearing today

[@Curt-Mitchell]

MAN I WISH I COULD PLAY DRUMS LIKE THAT. what the kick sound's goin on there Mike?

[@CrackDCat]

OMG someone else has noticed Lars' facial expressions when he drums, it's most noticeable on the "Unnamed Feeling" music video. My and my friend in our teens used to just think that's how he kept his timing because most of the time, his face matches the drum beats lol

[@neilomac]

Lars reminds me a lot of Ringo Starr in a lot of ways. They're both drummers in massively influential, game-changing bands who copped flak for not having the most chops among their peers, but whose part-writing and playing style made their playing completely recognisable and a massive signature of the bands they played with. For better or worse, Lars' drumming is one of the lynch pins of Metallica's whole sound, along with James' riffs. Metallica could change bass players again and they'd still sound like Metallica. Kirk could retire to a life of surfing and watching horror movies and get replaced by, I dunno, Marty Friedman, and they'd still sound like Metallica. Take James or Lars out altogether, it's not Metallica any more.

[@kcpiranha58]

I love the unorthodox playing style that Lars has. You've pinpointed things I feel but didn't know how to put it into words. In the music world having a signature sound is huge, like you said, when you hear a lot of the drum parts it's instantly recognizable. Lars isn't the best drummer but he's the best drummer for metallica. I like how you explained about it being more organic or human with mistakes or breathing with timing. Great video.

[@agrofindastation]

One thing I could not get over with Lombardo's Battery was the super open high hat sound he did. It just felt wrong.

[@agrofindastation]

Also, I think Joey was also open high hat too.

[@UrbanSkyProject]

The thing I noticed the most when Joey and Dave lombardo played instead of Lars was that the rest of the band struggled abit because they are so used to how Lars plays. It was very interesting.

[@Owen_plays_music1049]

1:50 Justice then i would say One but i'm not sure and then Battery. Well i got all 3 yeah !

[@doknox]

Nice kit man! Snare sounds amazing! I play predominantly heavy music and within a few minutes I'm sweating. By the time I'm done I'm drenched in sweat, eyes burning and feel like I ran a marathon! Lol. I have to shower after every rehearsal. Now I know why Lars always wears shorts and sweat bands. I wear shorts, just not doing the sweat band thing.

[@mcskillby]

I was at that show, it was Download festival 2004 at Donington Park UK. The first few songs were played by Dave Lombardo and Lars's roadie, the rest was Joey Jordison. As good as it was, always better to see the full band.

[@StoöpídFN]

Hey Mike, nice video! I was just wondering have you heard “You Said It All”( Live)by Ozzy Osbourne?If not I would love a reaction video!

[@HannahCope88]

🤘🏻🔥🤘🏻 I'd definitely agree. There's only one Lars.

[@rickyrobertson9874]

I believed Lars was irreplaceable, now I KNOW why.

[@JOHNNYRIFFS]

I used to have a issue with him but I think he stepped up in recent years. And I only had a problem watching shows on KZbin... I never even thought about it at the actual shows. (Seen them 10 times since 1992) In 2011 I saw a show that I thought was really great and they also aired the show on TV in my country, and I was really surprised how many mistakes I heard from Lars when I watched it later.. Mistakes that I didnt even noticed at the show. It was like watching two totaly different Metallica shows and kind of wierd. But since then I try to not judge to much based on the videos I see on KZbin. But I don't have that much to complain anymore anyway, he practiced enough for me! Or whatever happened. The last time I saw Metallica was 2019 and James joked on stage: "we have been practicing". Not so sure if it was a joke 😏

[@SimonKranzDrums]

I really have a love/hate relationship with Lars Ulrich. As you pointed out, his style is quite unique and it has influenced a lot of people (Mike Portnoy, for example), me included. And as songwriter and producer he is irreplacable for the band, I agree. My problem with Lars is that most of the problems people notice with his playing could easily be solved by him practicing. Which he apparently didn't do for quite a while, even though I think he's gotten better in the last few years, according to some live videos I saw. But the attitude that he seems to have, "I'm in METALLICA, so I don't need to practice, I'm already famous" (just my impression) really annoys me - especially as a drum teacher who's trying to make his students practice regularily.

[@infidelmat]

I still can't wrap my head around that guy from Suicidal Tendencies playing bass

[@Cthulhu_Awaken]

Great video about Lars and Larsisms man, I also believe he is irreplaceable for the band... Anyway, the example you cited doesn't really count for the speed up-slow down thingy, because that's a transition into another part of the song and Lars usually throws fills during that, therefore things move out of the usual beat dynamics during those moments.

[@bucketheadwendy5358]

Dave is the man! SLAYERRRRRR

[@CYON4D]

I totally agree.

[@static_tv_og]

That drum sounds perfect

[@brenoschwarzandrade]

Hetflied without Ulrich (or vice-versa) is like Lennon without McCartney (or vice-versa)

[@MossTheBoss]

Completely agree with you Mike. Also, Lars is the guy who took Kirk's Enter Sandman riff and turned it into what it became on the album, among many other things. Your analogy of James being the dad figure and Lars being the mom figure is perfect, and it's that dynamic that has kept Metallica a force for 40 years.

[@A.J.1656]

When you mentioned the stone-faced drummer, I immediately thought of 311's Chad Sexton. I love his drumming, but I've always said he looks like he's doing his homework back there. Haha

[@moisesvillasenor3302]

Helo Ther

[@garethjones4611]

Did you notice Dave Lombardo messed up a bit at parts, like 4 horsemen the cymbal choke part he didn’t play the correct number if chokes they play live which shows he didn’t have the chemistry Lars has. And Joey didn’t fit he was showing off and too fast

[@metalh3adqueen]

The comparison to a family really worked on this one, I can totally imagine 5:22 happening at some point. Kirk balances out both of their dominant personalities tho

[@welmarvex]

I love Dave Lombardo playing with Metallica, oh my God!. But Lars is already the face of Metallica. His odd unpredictable drum fills are his trademark. I had wished the Mikes (Portnoy and Mangini) of Dream Theater would have been the guest drummers also but It's Lar's Metallica. He owns it. He is always the best drummer for Metallica.

[@seanhasclout1509]

Bro asthma as a musician is so relatable I also get winded after playing Metallica for a while.

[@humanthenarrator]

You always hear the "I wish it would be like that many years ago, it's just not the same without that person" Instead we appreciate that Lars is still in the band right now. Let's enjoy it!

[@peteantico1642]

I wouldn't notice at all!

[@GrayD_Fox]

James has said that he and Lars are the parents arguing in the front of the car on a road trip with Kirk and Rob being the kids in the back

[@joeljezequel]

I'm an old fan of Metallica but I don't think the band can bring anything new. It just deprives us of a solo career for James Hetfield, which could be interesting

[@cc_1983]

He may not have kept up always to the best but the parts he wrote esp in the 80s were incredible. The imperfections are the reason it’s perfect. John Dette did a cover of Blackened as it was on the record and you can really see what lars did on the record and it’s amazing to appreciate. His energy back in the day might have been helped by cocaine haha

[@mujohusejnovic1977]

Spot on I'm tired of people shitting on lars, he the man for Metallica. His drumming suits James guitar. I'd like to see those who put the downer on lars drum for Metallica. Great video BTW, an honest opinion of what Lars brings to Metallica, the greatest metal band of all time.

[@aquilarossa5191]

Yes, because who else would be as motivated to crusade against downloading as Lars is. I can not even remember what the app was called, but I remember Lars getting his knickers in a twist about it (I Googled. Napster). Do they play to a click track now? Any band that plays to a click can replace their drummer with midi these days. It's like bands get on stage to play covers of their own material instead of getting creative. At least it is not lip syncing I guess. Folks now days want concerts to sound like what they heard on records. In the olden days bands like Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin played songs lots of different ways and included improv sections and took risks pushing the envelope. More interesting to me at least. A lot of ideas that made it onto records had their beginning when the bands were playing live inventing stuff as they went. Zep bootleg channels are a gold mine of takes I have never heard before. Lots of guitar parts Jimmy invented off the cuff and only ever played that way once, plus they would sometimes invent a new groove while on stage and just run with it. It made every concert unique (his tone could vary a lot too, which I also enjoy).

[@FELIX-my1pu]

Yes yes and yes... I am 43 and I've been drumming for 32 years. Lars was one of my main inspirations to start drumming in the first place. From Kill'em All to And Justice For All. I know he's lost his oomph and Dynamics as he gets older, but you cannot deny how many drummers he has inspired.🤘

[@warlock____]

LOVE these types of videos. It's so freakin cool always seeing you defending these boys, whether it be in other videos' youtube comments or vids like these, cause RIGHTFULLY SO! these guys get so much shit for...some pretty unfair reasons. So we can count on Mike to stand the ground for Metallica haha :)

[@BillyBobDingo1971]

Aye.

[@rusty418]

His drumming on the first 4 albums is full of ultra tasty licks!

[@0Nafod0]

"Is LARS Ulrich IRREPLACEABLE for METALLICA?" Without even watching the video, I will say yes.

[@jaqueslagerweij6882]

Oke 20sec in and i heard joey jordison. This is gonna be great R.I.P joey!

[@hinjurock70]

Exactly. Lars is one of the few drummers who's beats and style are almost instantly recognizable, and not only does he sometimes hits the crash on the "2" of a 4/4 beat, but he will also hit it one the "&'s" sometimes. Also, most great musicians are limited - if you can play a lot of varied stuff on guitar or drums, etc, then you'd be a good session musician, but probably not a good band member.

[@Dmitry9000YT]

5:21 I wonder what Robert is doing in this hypothetical situation

[@MegaTeostyle]

Robert is replaceable with....Jason of course.

[@williamcrews2784]

This video made me see Lars in a new light. I appreciate it and love all the videos.

[@beenjiman]

Papa Het killed me😂😂

[@thereluv168]

In Scott Ians book I'm the man, He claims that the band intended to let go of Lars but then Cliff died and James did not want to go through with it.

[@shawnhuff3920]

Dave made the band sound great 👍

[@guitarscoffee17]

Well, if they hired Dave Lombardo at least they'd be able to play Dyers Eve again 🤷‍♂️

[@Archangel_Michaels]

Do you think that Lombardo would be better than Lars ?

[@turboturtle01]

1:30 That's the most important thing about Lars in my opinion. Greg Fidelman said in an interview something like "Lars doesn't play drums, Lars plays a song... and the value of that is immeasurable". I think that's one of the key things for Metallica anyway and it applies to everyone in Band. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4uVeqqvqqeKd6M

[@gregtallica1441]

Absolutely love your take on Lars and the band. Who cares if Lars isn't the greatest drummer, Lars is the greatest drummer for Metallica, and Nothing Else Matters. The best and most successful metal band ever, that says it all.

[@Savoy1984]

Lars was bang on about Napster, I’ve been on unemployment benefit most of my life and always supported bands I like.

[@michaelstack299]

I suspect the best way to learn to imitate Lars is to write songs with James. They're like rebar and concrete in a foundation.

[@thethrashyone]

Referring to Lars as the "mother figure" of the band was funny enough on its own. But the idea of Kirk being the scared little child, running off after getting yelled at by James, is nothing short of priceless.