Metal Massacre Released--Metal Massacre was a compilation of songs by L.A. metal bands released by Brian Slagel on his new independent label. Lars had met Brian while both were searching out rare New Wave Of British Heavy Metal LPs and singles. After Lars spent two months in England with Diamond Head in 1981, he returned to California itching to make his mark, and Metal Massacre provided the means. Determined to have a song on the album, he contacted James, whom he had met the year before through a member of James' high school band, Leather Charm. James and Lars realized that to win a slot on the album, they needed a name. When a magazine editor asked Lars what he thought of the name "Metallica" for a possible fanzine, Lars said he preferred a different name, then kept "Metallica" for himself! Now they needed a band. After some disappointing auditions, James decided to sing, play rythym guitar and bass guitar himself, while lead duties went to Dave Mustaine (now of Megadeth). "Hit The Lights," originally a Leather Charm song, was the last song on Metal Massacre (released 6/14/82).  

No Life 'til Leather Demo Recorded--With James' long time friend, roommate, and former bandmate Ron McGovney on bass, Metallica was complete, and the band began gigging. But L.A. audience, accustomed to glam bands like Motley Cru, couldn't appreciate Metallica's Motorhead/Venom-influenced heaviness. Metallica recorded three more songs-"Motorbreath," "Jump In The Fire," and "The Mechanix" (later becoming "The Four Horsemen")-and disturbed a four-song demo, Demo Era, beyond L.A. Hoping for greater recognition, Lars coordinated the recording of an improved demo with three more songs-"Metal Militia," "Seek And Destroy," and "Phantom Lord." This coveted seven-song demo, No Life 'til Leather, raced through the underground tape circuit.  

Metallica Plays San Francisco To Promote Metal Massacre  

Metallica Headlines San Francisco Show: Makes Live Demo Called Metal Up Your Ass  

First Jam Session With Cliff Burton As Bassist--Lars confided to Brian Slagel that bassist Ron McGovney didn't share the determination and enthusiasm of the James/Lars/Dave songwriting trio. Brian suggested that Lars check out Cliff Burton's San Francisco-based band Trauma, who had a slot on Brian's upcoming second Metal Massacre compilation. Lars and James were spellbound by Cliff's performance. After Lars' relentless pursuit, Cliff agreed to join Metallica, but only if the band relocated to San Francisco! The first jam session with Cliff took place on December 28. 

Metallica Relocates To San Francisco, Living With Manager Of Exodus (Kirk Hammett's Band).  

Metallica Drives To East Coast To Record Kill 'Em All--The East Coast equivalent of Brian Slagel was entrepreneur Johnny Zazula, who sold obscure New Wave of British Heavy Metal albums from an indoor flea market booth in New Jersey. After a customer gave him a copy of No Life 'til Leather, an overwhelmed "Johnny Z" immediately contacted Lars and convinced him to come east to gig and record.  

Kirk Hammett Replaces Dave Mustaine On Lead Guitar--James and Lars had seen Kirk play live (Exodus was on the bill the night Metal Up Your Ass was recorded), but it wasn't until they heard him on tape that they thought about asking him to join the band. But they weren't ready to fire Dave...until they trip east. Halfway across the country, Dave passed out in the back of the rented U-Haul after drinking about 15 to 20 beers and getting into a fight. Afraid that Dave didn't have the stability to go on the road, the other members sent him home on a bus and called Kirk.  

National "Kill 'Em All For One" Tour With Raven And European "Seven Dates Of Hell" Tour With Venom.  

Ride The Lightning Recorded In Copenhagen (Lars' home town).  

Metallica Signs With Elektra Records. 

US Tour With WASP And Armored Saint To Promote Ride The Lightning.  

Metallica Returns To Copenhagen To Record Master Of Puppets  

Metallica Opens For Ozzy Osbourne's "Ultimate Sin" Tour  

Cliff Burton Killed In Bus Accident--During Ozzy Osborne's "Ultimate Sin" tour, en route from Stockholm to Copenhagen, at about 6:30 a.m. on September 27, 1986, Metallica's tour bus went out of control when the driver over-corrected a steering problem. The bus spun around backwards, and the back of the bus started sliding and bumping. Cliff, in the upper bunk at the rear of the bus, woke up and tried to climb out the window. When he was halfway out, the bus slid to the side of the road and rolled over, pinning him underneath.  

Jason Newsted Joins Band; Metallica Plays Five-Date Tour Of Japan--Lars asked Brian Slagel to find Metallica a new bassist. Jason Newsted's Phoenix-based band Flotsam And Jetsam recorded for Brian's label, and they had a song slated for his seventh Metal Massacre compilation. While sorry to give up one of his bands, Brian suggested Metallica approach Jason. After two audition, Jason was hired. Metallica played as an unadvertised opening act in a few small L.A. clubs to break in Jason before their November tour of Japan. 

Garage Days Re-Revisited EP Released  

Cliff 'Em All (A Video Tribute To Cliff Burton) Released  

"Monsters Of Rock" Tour With Van Halen, Scorpions, Dekken, And Kingdom Come.  

...And Justice For All Released  

"Damaged Justice" Tour To Promote ...And Justice For Al; Metallica Plays Australia And New Zealand 

Metallica Is First Metal Band To Perfrom At Grammy Awards (2/89)  

Metallica Wins Grammy For Best Metal Performance For "One" (2/90)  

Metallica Records Self-Titled Fifth Album; Listening Party For 14,000 people At Madison Square Garden In New York  

Metallica Wins Grammy For Best Metal Performance For "Stone Cold Crazy" (2/91)  

"Wherever I May Roam" Tour Begins 

Metallica Performs "Enter Sandman" At Grammys And Wins Best Metal Performance (2/92) 

Metallica Tours With Guns N' Roses  

A Year And A Half In The Life Of Metallica (A Two-Video Set) Released  

Live Shit: Binge And Purge (A Three-Video, Three-CD Package) Released  

Metallica's 6th Studio Album, "Load" Is Released 6/4/96