Metallica Breaks Down Creating the "Enter Sandman" Riff

[@howardstern]

Stream the FULL interview now on SiriusXM: sxm.app.link/HSMetallica

[@ChiIeboy]

Love these interviews, in spite of Howard's constant tendency to step on his guests.

[@porfiriojohn5276]

4 - 1 - 24 R.I.P Howard Stern 55

[@houdin654jeff]

This is Lars’ superpower. You can see it in behind the scenes stuff or on the making of videos with them in the studio. He has his hands in every part of the song, tweaking it, asking them to try things, getting timings down, and shaking the song into the shape it needs to be. He’s not the worlds most technical drummer, he doesn’t play in weird time signatures or complex patterns, but he’s an amazing producer and collaborator.

[@PiazzaGurl]

Amen 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@eltravos99]

I don't know if he considers himself this but he's just an overall great composer and songwriter.

[@rendyandrian7149]

Agree 100%. That's why I respect Lars for his compositional skill. His drumming is only great for Metallica.

[@Phelisreal]

This is why Lars is credited on (almost) every single song of their discography

[@user-yw5ct1px3x]

He is an amazing composer

[@KarlRock]

Great story. Lars obviously has an ear for music production.

[@EmirsGarage]

Interesting to see you here Karl, cheers!

[@balajiedlyngdoh8366]

Oh hey Karl, too early to see you here

[@doublestrokeroll]

That's essentially it. Lars has always been the band's arranger, and in many ways arranging is probably the most important thing in song writing. Sure coming up with the riff or melody is important, but in many ways that's the easy part. It's how you put it all together that makes a great song.

[@milan.0363]

karl you really rock

[@packohub1145]

Eurovision..

[@Stereotype23]

Kirk came up with arguably the most iconic riff of all time

[@svogender]

Absolutely one of the best riff ever...!!! 🤘

[@alphanerd7221]

Lars came up with it.

[@Azraelmaximilian]

Actually Adam Siegel came up with it, look up Tapping Into the Emotional Void to hear the original version

[@rawrs937]

Jason came up with the Blackened riff.

[@GreyGooseNWO]

@@Azraelmaximiliandamn I just listened to it and it’s definitely similar

[@BigRed22557]

Props to Howard for asking questions that help us get a peak into Metallica's process. Not many interviewers ask that kind of stuff. Cool insight, thanks to Mr. Stern.

[@raylgonzo]

HS is a great interviewer. He does his homework and knows what he's talking about!!

[@jaylordie]

This is why Lars deserves utmost respect. There may be a gazillion of better drummers technically but few with real musicality inside.

[@PiazzaGurl]

Absolutely. Lars hears where each instrument needs to go and arrange them. Lars should be a producer and arranger. He’s soooo good. Great ear.

[@mikehup2383]

Perfectly stated!

[@Deke1]

Lars ability to listen to a riff, dissect the riff, add parts, change the sequence is really integral to Metallica's success in song writing....

[@inferiorpatty]

Im here before the disagreeing haters come 😃

[@wildae.]

Exactly!

[@MichaelMut]

It wasn’t always that way in this band, and I’m so proud and happy to see that they evolved and are now a tight knit unit.

[@jondunmore581]

Everyone still using the word 'evolved' in a wrong context... but we get that you mean 'MATURED.'

[@RJReda]

I just commented with pretty much the same thing, you’re 💯 correct

[@jianhuang0124]

This song was written in the early 90s.

[@alphanerd7221]

It's how it worked ever since Lightning.

[@juanrules]

The audio quality in these Metallica/stern clips is ALWAYS amazing

[@dylinquent]

Has Hetfield ever tried acting? The way he’s aged, with his look, I could totally see him in a Western.

[@kevah94]

He's been cast in an upcoming movie too, can't remember the name though

[@5zull877]

he is on new western movie in works

[@gtyrone83]

Wasn't he the sheriff or executioner on the Ted Bundy film?

[@michaellund217]

@@gtyrone83 He played a Utah Highway Patrol officer that arrested Ted Bundy

[@lanceurbi3687]

I think that he could get a cameo with Nash in John Wick 5. Eh?

[@bogdanromanica8310]

Let's admit, Metallica is still together and so succesful because of Lars vision, drive and creativity. James, Kirk and Rob are amazing, but Lars is essential. One thing that I love about Metallica songs is the simplistic drumming. Lars's drumming is catchy and so easy to air drum. Respect for Lars.

[@uraniumcranium2613]

a massive part of their fame is purely due to controversy and tragedy.

[@AustinOgonoski]

It's because Lars was a metal nerd before he started playing in a band.

[@alexdelcampo3606]

​@@uraniumcranium2613hmmm no, their fame is bc their legendary tunings, their charisma and bc they are pure artists.

[@bob-ov4iq]

Above all, only reason there is Metallica is bc of Lars

[@hypolyxa7207]

Would love it if JASON was still here. #1

[@theosophicalwanderings7696]

Kirk was/is so crucial to that band

[@fatimapalacios2292]

Lars is a music listener and knows what he likes in a rock song, so he tries his best to incorporate things he llikes in songs in the creative process. Over the years he has learned stuff and applied it. A real music producer.

[@TheNothing6]

The brilliance of Lars! What a great arranger he is!

[@SSNESS]

All they do is fight with each other

[@ncochran01]

I think it's because he prays to St. Anger....

[@shotgunsnare]

Letting your band mates have freedom all around to ask the drummer to try this or the guitarist try that instead etc.. only works if all the musicians are at the same level - that's when you can really trust ..when you have established musical respect for your band mates

[@OMFGitsDYLANN]

idk didnt lars get pissy at james in the st anger documentary for james saying his drums were sounding stock? lol.

[@brysonlee3631]

@@OMFGitsDYLANN Probably not the era they are proudest of, being that it almost ended the band

[@michaelmorningstar8645]

That's not true at all. Collaboration between musicians of varying skill levels works fine.

[@vilkers2211]

@@OMFGitsDYLANN that's why they were about to break up but they didn't because they started working on themselves and expressing feelings and emotions with one and another. They matured individually and as a band back then

[@rayrayallday]

If the entire interview could be uploaded that'd be very swell

[@JeremiahB444]

I’m so happy they’re still doing all this, it’s truly a blessing 🤘🏼

[@jengable4888]

Yes.... it is !

[@leokimvideo]

A ego free songwriting band..very rare indeed

[@DM-rc4yu]

Jason Newsted.

[@nightruler666]

@Seba Tarth Kiss and Motley crue come to mind

[@alphanerd7221]

@@DM-rc4yu What about him?

[@raymondstephan6234]

Queen

[@AliasZiro]

What about the Beatles?​@@NinetiesYouth

[@Polythene_Pam]

Getting glimpses into the creative process of master musicians is always so fascinating to me.

[@stevepetty3458]

I am Australian, so I don't know how Howard Stern interviews but this is how it should be done . Really takes you in and gives a whole new dimension. Awesome stuff

[@Nanda-520]

I love this band so much. It's insane.

[@wuaperiot]

jja

[@bluecomet1109]

Lars isn't a drummer, he's a composer. And one of the BEST

[@sugameltpastriescoffee7186]

He is also a marketing genius

[@TrevRockOne]

More of an arranger

[@chebrneck]

Not a good drummer

[@peaner083]

​@@chebrneck Well done Chad

[@doublestrokeroll]

Arranger. Composers come up with melody and arrangements.

[@andyrusski]

To think they’ve been formed 42 years ago and Lars and James are still together producing top quality metal is something that boggles the mind beyond belief.

[@Amineben89]

Rob feeling so lonely

[@scottsmith1455]

Lar’s has come up with unbelievable drum part that are perfect for the song!! There’s a reason this band is legendary, they create amazing songs!!🤘🤘

[@barbaradaquino8534]

It's unbelievable, they talk about the creation of this amazing piece as if it was yesterday! 🖤🎶🎸🖤

[@razmatazz9310]

Because they probably repeated this story 5000 times for interviewers over the course of their career.

[@conorbrosnahan5464]

Howard please upload the entire interview in full 😮

[@superaid1]

Its on sirius xm I listened to the whole thing last night

[@varunsomani3469]

Lars is a beautiful drummer. You cannot forget how good he was in the 80s and 90s and he is still amazing!

[@jengable4888]

Each member is very talented and creative. It nice to see a band have mutual respect for each other ! I think they are fantastic and have evolved both personally, in addition to, professionally ! Go Metallica go !! 👍❤️🎶 Also, please post more Metallica music/interviews perhaps the Siriusxm content..if possible ! Many thanks !!! 😉

[@paulatreides1354]

i can imagine for metallica fans how gold those videos have to be

[@gailcook9238]

You are all so great! Love anything I see on Metallica

[@OscarBenben]

That’s because it’s not just a band, it’s a bunch of friends #metallica

[@MrOctavia1000]

It's hilarious that kirk has come up with all the money riffs lol. Sandman is what made metallica rich 😀

[@thedude4672]

Really? Name me another "money" song that Kirk is the primary writer on. Kirk's great, but every fan knows that James is the primary riff master. And a lot more than Sandman made Metallica wealthy.

[@mm091540]

It’s funny how Kirk came up with everything that’s important and then they go on about how Lars Ulrich turned it into gold by saying can you play it three times instead of once

[@MrOctavia1000]

​@@mm091540 I think the most badass riff is disposable heroes and kirk came up with that to 😀

[@bryanmanrique6283]

​@@MrOctavia1000trapped under ice too

[@levansharikadze873]

Even without Sandman riff Metallica would be the same legendary band

[@joseduran9232]

James first showing that riff from Sandman sounded HARD

[@FlipGuitarist80]

Great crunchy tone, probably a fractal model of his tube amp combinations.

[@KoalaParty2000]

Ridiculous tone

[@RichardGarcia93]

Axe FX III! Diezel and Mesa amps within the guitar processor

[@531ff]

Tapping into the emotional void is where Kirk got the riff .

[@mrs.esterhouse1567]

Ha Kirk saying that it was original. Yea original by Adam Siegel.

[@PedroAugustoze]

Lars é gênio!

[@LloydChristmasAspen]

James looks great. Very good to see him doing well.

[@nikolagligorovski2234]

And this is why i still listen Metallica. Their approach to music is professional, creative and inspiring.

[@marcellomunir3932]

They have such good chemistry, thats why they are so successful.

[@cmel7841]

Every band should follow this model, just look at RUSH, the trust and love they had was incredible and you can feel it here with Metallica too

[@thesmallnotesduo]

That riff will be around forever. And the song.

[@bobbongx8785]

So many years in the states, and Lars still have that lovely danish accent❤❤

[@4catsnow]

The impact this tune did to Moscow years ago could only be described as "immense"...

[@gedadon69]

If you judge Lars purely on drumming skills there are many many others better than him but not every one has the skill to know and understand music as good as him

[@Requiem_304]

THAT TONE IS CRUNCHY JAMES!!

[@andrew6978]

Axe FX 3. IIC++ and Diezel VH4.

[@jutjub22]

sounds too digital to me.

[@jutjub22]

@@andrew6978 it is being digital for some time, of course amps are real, solid state. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmfOY5qeqcebpbc

[@gusmc01]

@@jutjub22 it does sound too processed

[@mallaothman]

And that what makes this band a perfect band.

[@crusheverything4449]

Aren't you adorable.

[@thanosgalanis3053]

Lars wrote 4 mega records without metronome and people talk about his rythm...as gojira's drummer said"behind the drums I saw a great personality"Lars is just great

[@kantasify]

This is the ground reason why Jason Newstead openly defend Lars despite being criticized for his drumming ability

[@commantermormont1657]

This was one of the best questions asked in an interview.

[@LizinLouie]

It took Metallica; Lars, James, Kirk, and Rob to make Metal ~ Mental ! Love it.

[@jonasgustaf]

Howard needs an award for music-intelligence award of the millennium.

[@pietart3596]

Hatfield an awesome human! shows so much appreciation

[@em0_tion]

Takes a village, Teamwork makes the dreamwork... All that. 🤘👍

[@dovesofwar1777]

Answer: we listened to Tapping into the Emotional Void by Excel

[@betsyhiggins4198]

This band has matured in the best possible way. Other bands should take note. Kudos Metallica.

[@DepthWish]

Lots of people say Enter Sandman was a ripoff of the song by Excel called Tapping Into the Emotional Void. It's on YT

[@victoroliveira6820]

FULL EPISODE PLEEEASEEE

[@onlee49ers76]

Lars is criminally underrated in this band

[@ddawg3974]

I mean he's the number two in the band. I think people understand hes a visionary. Not the most talented drummer, but an extremely talented songwriter.

[@giorgosk2884]

No he's not. Eveybody knows that he is the brain in the Metallica machine,they just fear to admit it

[@COOLANDCONTROL3469]

A band is basically a family of musicians that can help each other out with ideas 💡 for a song.

[@emanhacker]

1:58 see james plays the intro of enter sandman notes down there

[@Gorthaur-Bauglir]

That's the first time I've heard Lars talk about freedom, trust, and love.

[@TunedIntoCars]

James' tone is killer!!!

[@DeathRaven.]

What Lars said at 2:30 has to be the funniest thing as there are so many videos of them (Lars and other members mostly) beefing over what he’s talking about.

[@Youraveragemetalhead13]

The tone is MAGICAL.

[@anthonybiusodrumming]

Respect on highest levels.

[@liquidsnake6879]

Every band member should be allowed to suggest whatever they think sounds good, that's the point, whatever you imagine would fit, suggest it

[@MrMickeycrazy]

More of this please !!!!

[@davem.2191]

I... fk'ng love Metallica!

[@snuggynuggy117]

Legends.

[@TheCoronaMortis]

Lars as much as people will slate him, knows how to write a song. He just has a knack for it. He's a genius at composition and writing

[@BusyMEOW]

I do that, and other people suggest stuff for me too. I understand what it means now when Lars is credited for arrangements

[@destroyallheresy]

What a guitar tone, wow. Anyone know what gear they're using nowadays? Kempers still?

[@crazykittenvideos855]

I come up with great riffs at 3am. My trouble is I turn over and go back to sleep then in the morning I have forgotten them 😅

[@crocuscreekwoodworks]

This is why they have lasted so long and are the greatest band on the planet!

[@danielrobinson7427]

Why Metallica is genius

[@lukewoodworth2101]

Just imagine the amount of riffs on riff tapes that kirk and james thought nothing of that lars said "hey there is something there" that became metallica songs

[@tleeg74]

Can't wait for the 72 seasons tour in Los Angeles. Hurry up August

[@jakubw.838]

50 years later, the boys have finally grown!

[@loombaron]

2:27 james hand movment when lars interrupts XP

[@pfaffbm]

And this is one of the many elements that makes Metallica so successful. Also, Lars really is the band's composer.

[@Jason-gt2kx]

How ever they do it, it certainly works. Keep rockin' boys!

[@Only123ca]

Their speech is legendary

[@beardown6574]

fascinating stuff seeing behind the scenes. so cool.

[@bob-ov4iq]

Yet more proof, Lars is the most brains in Metallica , he not only writes , but composes and arranges and is why we have what we have Metallica the greatest band ever

[@michaelh1889]

Stern is back ... With a vengeance. Great shows lately.. wow !!🎉😂

[@drunkdadchronicles]

Love 'em All

[@Ultima2876]

Guess they’ve come a long way since the St Anger days. It shows in the material they are producing too - the new album is great.

[@benoitb.3679]

1:18 James' reaction is hilarious

[@Juventinos]

Lars has taste. I remember Gates telling Jobs in an interview... I'dd give a lot to have Steve's taste. That is so underrated.

[@stuartsaint4581]

It works because of the respect of each other, their styles and personalities. James might overthink a guitar part and yet Kirk isn't even counting the number of repetitions, Lars doesn't know how to play guitar so recommends something they wouldn't think of. It only works if you truly value what everyone brings to the table

[@adrianvazquez4633]

James’s tone🔥

[@manueljuris2599]

tallica is not about individual talent....its a collective effort that leads to their supremacy

[@infinidominion]

Plus a bassist

[@crusheverything4449]

‘tallica is the gayest nickname ever.

[@TheFoxcrusher]

and now i know why kirk hammett is untouchable.

[@metallaholic]

the multi million dollar riff came from his hands

[@guitaristssuck8979]

No mention of Soundgarden - Loud Love riff?

[@jd.garcia7555]

Lars is the main reason why Metallica is still going strong today.

[@thatsbrutal]

No ego until you tell the mixer take the bass out of the entire album.

[@jatinnagarwal2177]

Can someone tell me where to watch the entire thing except the usual platforms??

[@Xavão5]

kirk accompanies James in this super picking, kirk monster

[@RealTriaz]

FYI, the riff is from the band Excel's Tapping Into the Emotional Void

[@imagereflection4826]

Sounds a little bit similar but no

[@RealTriaz]

you just rebuffed your own statement@@imagereflection4826

[@ned1621]

I don't think Lars applied that no ego thing with Jason's Bass on the Justice album.. But maybe he has grown up now mmmmm

[@dhoytinaz]

I guess it's possible he grew up a little and learned a few new things in the last 35 years.....I know I have. LOL

[@leemcqueen500]

To be fair they were in their early 20s and just lost cliff.

[@Suspect333]

I really enjoyed their answer they could of just been real short about it but went real deep.