An avid fan of European metal, Lars Ulrich (born December 26, 1963, in Gentofte, Denmark) decides he wants to start a band. So he places ad in a Southern California magazine called Recycler, which reads: "Drummer looking for other metal musicians to jam with, Tygers of Pan Tang, Diamond Head and Iron Maiden."
James Hetfield and his buddy Hugh Tanner answer.
October 28, 1981
Although Lars doesn't even have a band, he still asks friend Brian Slagel (founder of Metal Blade Records), if he can record a track for the upcoming compilation album, Metal Massacre. Slagel agrees, and Lars recruits James Hetfield to sing and play guitar.
Fall 1981
Still without a name for his band, Lars chats with friend Ron Quintana, who is brainstorming names for a fanzine. Among Quintana's proposed names are "Metal Mania" and "Metallica." Lars convinces Ron to name the fanzine Metal Mania and "steals" the name "Metallica" for his band.
Early 1982
Resident psychotic longhair and deviant behaviorist Dave Mustaine answers another of Lars' Recycler ads looking for a guitar player. Upon hearing Dave's playing and seeing all of his expensive gear, Lars and James sign him up.
Metallica record their first song "Hit The Lights" on a four-track for Metal Massacre I. The lineup includes: James Hetfield--vocals, rhythm guitar, bass; Lars Ulrich--drums; Dave Mustaine--lead guitar; Lloyd Grant--credited with a guitar solo.
