Lars was barely 10 years old when he attended a Deep Purple concert and learned what music could be. This was no small feat when you think of the music that young Lars had been exposed to up until that time. His father ran a small jazz club and was very involved in Europe's jazz scene. The legendary sax player Dexter Gordon is even Lars' godfather.

It was Deep Purple and Ritchie Blackmore that changed the world for Lars. He was impressed enough from their concert that he purchased their Fireball album the next day. Three years later at age 13, he persuaded his grandmother to buy him his first drum kit.

Drums and music took a backseat to tennis, his father's profession. Lars was a ranked junior player in his native Denmark when the Ulrichs moved to Newport Beach, California. There, Lars was just another tennis player, not the notable player he was in Denmark.

Shortly after, tennis became less important, and Lars fell prey to the guilty pleasures of southern California: sex, drugs and rock n' roll... Lots of rock n' roll. Lars' passion for music grew, and he began trading tapes to obtain his beloved blend of European metal.

In June of 1981, Lars, the ultimate fan boy, flew to England to catch some shows by his now favorite band, Diamond Head. Somehow, some way, Lars managed to talk his way into living with the band in England until he had had to return to California. Back home, he found his tape trading friend Brian Slagel looking for bands to record tracks for an album that would be released on his new Metal Blade Records. Lars secured himself a spot on that album. But, Lars had no band.

Before going to England he had jammed with a James Hetfield, a singer and guitar player. That jam had its share of problems... Lars' timekeeping wasn't that solid and the cymbals fell victim to gravity a bit too often. But now, he had bait: a spot on an album.

Hetfield took the bait, and Metallica was born. Music now shares the front seat with Lars' wife and 2 kids, and the drummer has learned to relax a bit more, but he's still very much in the driver's seat.

FAQ

What are Lars' vitals?

Lars Ulrich was found talking in Gentofte, Denmark on December 26th, 1963; he is 5'7" tall and weighs 130 lbs.

Is Lars married? Any kids?

Lars eloped with Skylar in Las Vegas in early 1997. They have a son, Myles, who was born on August 5, 1998.

What equipment does Lars use?

Lars plays Star Classic Maple Drums with Remo heads and Zildjian Brilliant cymbals.

What does Lars drive?

A Porsche, Chevy Blazer and a Range Rover, Saab.

Where is he from?

Gentofte (North of Copenhagen), Denmark.

Has he recorded for any bands besides Metallica?

Lars has recorded a drum track with Mercyful Fate for a remake of their song "Return of the Vampire."

What does he drink?

Lars likes Dry White Wine, Merlot Red Wine, Evian (especially in 1 liter bottles), tea.

What sports teams does he follow?

Lars follows the San Jose Sharks, the 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Was Lars really married or engaged to Courtney Love?

No, that was a running joke perpetuated by both Lars and Courtney during the Molson Ice Labor Day concert in Northern Canada.

What are Lars' favorite foods?

French food, tuna, sushi, frozen yogurt.

Has Lars been in any other bands?

No, Metallica has been Lars' one and only band.

Who are Lars' favorite tennis players?

John McEnroe, Guillermo Vilas and Torben Ulrich.

Is it true that Lars sings sometimes?

Metallica, on occasion has been known to switch around the instrument's on "Am I Evil?" The (un)usual arrangement is Lars on Vox, James on drums, Jason on guitar, Kirk on bass. Lars claims this is his "Bruce Dickinson impersonation." This is not a very regular happening, maybe five times ever. Lars has also lent his vocal talents on the ...And Justice For All album, contributing the "Wizard of Oz" style intro to Frayed Ends Of Sanity!

Was Lars president of the Motorhead fan club?

No, just another myth.

With what heavy metal band did Lars first become interested with the Metal Scene?

Deep Purple

What does he like to do when he gets time away from Metallica?

Lars Ulrich likes scuba diving, skiing, going to the movies and Oasis.

What other bands influenced Lars?

DiamondHead, Motorhead, Deep Purple

Why did Lars thank Jethro Tull when they won the Grammy in 1992?

Jethro Tull won the award that many think Metallica deserved in 1989. The "thanks to Jethro Tull for NOT putting out an album this year," was an underhanded salute to the Industry for not recognizing Metallica in 1989.

What jobs has he held?

Lars was once a paper boy, and also worked at a gas station; Oasis promoter.

Is Lars a Godfather?

Yes, Lars "Corleone" is Godfather of two.

More on Lars Ulrich... Marital status: Married

Drives: Porsche, Chevy Blazer, Range Rover, Saab

Drinks: Dry white wine, Evian, tea

Eats: French food, tuna, sushi, frozen yogurt

Sports teams: San Jose Sharks, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Before Metallica: None

Pre-Metallica career: Paper boy, gas station attendant

Likes: Hanging with my wife, running, scuba diving, skiing, movies, fashion, art

Listens to: Oasis, AIC, Black Grape, my wife

Heroes: Guillermo Vilas (Argentinian tennis player), Ritchie Blackmore, Ace Frehley

First concert: Deep Purple, 1973, Copenhagen

Describes self as: Anticipating, stubborn, spontaneous,sarcastic, talkative, silly, squeaky