Lars Ulrich On Metallica's Latest Album Being Leaked Online: It's Fine, We're Happy

from the what-have-you-done-with-the-real-lars-ulrich? dept

We've noted that Metallica has basically spent nearly the last decade trying to recover from the damaged reputation the band brought on itself when drummer Lars Ulrich freaked out about Napster and started suing. While the band has been trying to become more online friendly with its latest album release, you still had to wonder how Ulrich would react to the album being leaked online before the official release date. Some might assume he'd pull a Guns N' Roses and try to send the FBI after the leakers -- but, instead it looks like Ulrich has learned at least part of the lesson: don't freak out at your fans for music getting online, even before the official release. In fact, he seems almost mellow about the leak:
"It's 2008 and it's part of how it is these days, so it's fine. We're happy."
It's tough to tell if he's legitimately "happy" about these fans, or if he's just learned enough to grin and bear it for the time being -- but it's nice to see that he's at least learned something since the Napster debacle.
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Filed Under: lars ulrich, leaks, metallica


Reader Comments

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  1. identicon
    Lucretious, 4 Sep 2008 @ 10:37am

    "Fire.....BAAAD!"

    link to this | view in thread ]

  2. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 4 Sep 2008 @ 10:42am

    I think . . .

    Maybe he learned its actually alot of fun playing music and that he is very fortunate to be able to make such a substantial living from doing something he enjoys so much. Its amazing sometimes how hard it is to appreciate something until losing (or nearly losing) it.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  3. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 4 Sep 2008 @ 11:02am

    Re: I think...

    Or maybe the rest of the band told him to STFU.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  4. identicon
    Mark, 4 Sep 2008 @ 11:07am

    St. Anger sales...

    In reality, Metallic's St. Anger album is probably the reason Lars is not so worried about online exposure. The album was a success for most acts in the music business, but to Metallica standards, it was a dud. Lars maybe hoping the online exposure assists with better sales of the Monster album. We will see...if it is anything like St. Anger, I won't be buying it...ugh!

    link to this | view in thread ]

  5. identicon
    Anonymous Poster, 4 Sep 2008 @ 11:15am

    Re:

    Oh, how I loved those flashes.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  6. identicon
    Skippy T. Mut, 4 Sep 2008 @ 11:20am

    F*&k Lars Ulrich in the @$$hole with a big rubber d!(k

    Seriously...Lars is a big gay retard. Metallica used to be cool but they sold out for movie soundtracks and starbucks commercials a long time ago. I will download a copy of the album just out of principle, but I don't plan to listen to or enjoy it. There was time when I would be mad at hearing someone say this, but now I'm going to say it...METALLICA SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

    link to this | view in thread ]

  7. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 4 Sep 2008 @ 11:22am

    Maybe since he kicked his cocaine habit he is just a little more reasonable.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  8. identicon
    ehrichweiss, 4 Sep 2008 @ 11:26am

    Re:

    Beer GOOD!!!

    link to this | view in thread ]

  9. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 4 Sep 2008 @ 11:27am

    They don't want to get this reputation again --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIuR5TNyL8Y ...lol

    link to this | view in thread ]

  10. identicon
    mobiGeek, 4 Sep 2008 @ 11:29am

    Re: F*&k Lars Ulrich in the @$$hole with a big rubber d!(k

    I'm not sure what it is you have against the mentally disabled, homosexuals or the dimensionally challenged, but please do not lump them in with the likes of Lars...

    Seriously, dude(!), the fact that you are wasting any brain power whatsoever on these grandfathers is somewhat laughable.

    The fact that you (used to?!??) idolize a foursome of musicians enough to become angered by someone critical of their sound speaks volumes of your sense and sensibilities.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  11. identicon
    Improbus, 4 Sep 2008 @ 11:30am

    Give It Up

    Give it up Lars and get thee to a retirement home. Metallica had it's day in the sun and now it's over.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  12. identicon
    ehrichweiss, 4 Sep 2008 @ 11:30am

    Re: Re:

    OH, and note that Motley-fucken-Crue made that response to Metallisux's asshattery where they(M.C.) stated that they didn't give a damn if people downloaded their albums. G-n-R..well I expected something like that from a half-ass pop band(they were barely rock and definitely not metal) that tried to call themselves punk, and consequently got called out by the Dead Kennedys.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  13. identicon
    wasnt me!, 4 Sep 2008 @ 11:31am

    too little too late!!!!

    besides haven't heard anything good from them since the Metalica Album.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  14. icon
    PaulT (profile), 4 Sep 2008 @ 11:35am

    Re: Re: F*&k Lars Ulrich in the @$$hole with a big rubber d!(k

    "Seriously, dude(!), the fact that you are wasting any brain power whatsoever on these grandfathers is somewhat laughable."

    I don't think any brain power was exercised right there...

    link to this | view in thread ]

  15. identicon
    mcs, 4 Sep 2008 @ 11:45am

    Umm...

    Lars who?

    link to this | view in thread ]

  16. identicon
    Sumbuddy Stoopid, 4 Sep 2008 @ 11:53am

    Sounds Good

    I'm an old school Metallica fan, although I did like just a few songs off the couple previous albums, but I couldn't turn them on and listen all the way through like I can with Justice, Ride, or Master... Everything I hear from the Death sounds pretty good though. I can't wait to buy it, er I mean download it.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  17. identicon
    Boost, 4 Sep 2008 @ 11:57am

    Re: F*&k Lars Ulrich in the @$$hole with a big rubber d!(k

    So are you saying that it's bad to be gay??! I thought, somehow, we were above that these days.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  18. identicon
    Overcast, 4 Sep 2008 @ 12:06pm

    Hey Metallica,

    I was a HUGE fan all through the 80's and 90's - loved the 'rebel' mentality...

    Then we get to 2000 - and you turn into a buncha' corporate goons, all greedy for the almighty $$$. You may as well put on a suit and tie and work for the RIAA.

    So, you can KEEP the free crap on torrent, you can KEEP your CD's too.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  19. identicon
    Sarah Pailn, 4 Sep 2008 @ 12:19pm

    I'm the best

    Who cares if Lar's can make OK music. He is a whiny wimp. I can hunt moose AND I CAN KICK Lar's ass and Chuck Norris' too!...at the same time!

    link to this | view in thread ]

  20. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 4 Sep 2008 @ 12:24pm

    Meanwhile...

    the RIAA, acting on behalf of Metallica and others, continues legal action against file sharers.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  21. identicon
    Mike, 4 Sep 2008 @ 12:27pm

    New album kicks ass

    link to this | view in thread ]

  22. identicon
    Michael G., 4 Sep 2008 @ 12:29pm

    In reality...

    "Umm, Lar's tired!"

    link to this | view in thread ]

  23. identicon
    Chris, 4 Sep 2008 @ 12:30pm

    Oh no you di'n't!

    Ohhhhh snap... now why'd you have to go and bring the Norris into this!!! What'd he ever do to you?! Watch out by the way, I heard he has a third fist hiding in the beard!!! LOL

    link to this | view in thread ]

  24. identicon
    Lucretious, 4 Sep 2008 @ 12:33pm

    Re: Re: F*&k Lars Ulrich in the @$$hole with a big rubber d!(k

    Oh for the love of fucking god are you people actually going down THAT road over someone using the term "gay"? I'm 46 and we were using the term in a non-sexual way since I was 13 as an immature jab at friends. Context is everything and people like yourself and those who become so hypersensitive over such terms know exactly the way it is being used.

    Everyone has to take a step up to the PC outrage soapbox nowadays. Fuck off.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  25. identicon
    Chris, 4 Sep 2008 @ 12:37pm

    Does anyone TRULY care?

    Any one Truly care???? Raise your hands??? Come on... someone??? Anyone??? That's what I thought...

    link to this | view in thread ]

  26. identicon
    BillGod, 4 Sep 2008 @ 12:40pm

    Re:

    HA wow been a long time since I heard that.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  27. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 4 Sep 2008 @ 12:47pm

    Metallica? Wasn't that the name of a P2P app? ;)

    link to this | view in thread ]

  28. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 4 Sep 2008 @ 12:49pm

    Re: Re: F*&k Lars Ulrich in the @$$hole with a big rubber d!(k

    And the fact that you wasted brain power to respond to an obvious troll who we would all rather just shut up and drop off the face of the earth doesn't help our situation any. Remember, fire.. BAD.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  29. identicon
    Geno, 4 Sep 2008 @ 12:50pm

    Lars was right back then, and he is right now.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  30. identicon
    Captain-Insano, 4 Sep 2008 @ 12:57pm

    They suck. They died the day the bus rolled over and killed Cliff. Give it up you suck now. Go back into your hole. Next thing they will be doing a country album. I heard one song off the album The Day That Never Comes. Songs like dogshit.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  31. identicon
    CVPunk, 4 Sep 2008 @ 1:21pm

    Re: Re: F*&k Lars Ulrich in the @$$hole with a big rubber d!(k

    right, unless of course you are a McCain/Palin fan.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  32. identicon
    Sierra Night Tide, 4 Sep 2008 @ 1:55pm

    Metallica vs Napster

    Lars set him self on fire for you

    Beer Good
    Fire BAD!

    link to this | view in thread ]

  33. identicon
    Nogard, 4 Sep 2008 @ 2:09pm

    Everyone deserves a second chance.

    C'mon ppl, give them a chance to redeem themselves.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  34. identicon
    bobbknight, 4 Sep 2008 @ 2:21pm

    Lars

    Lars Ulrich STFU

    link to this | view in thread ]

  35. identicon
    JiggleBilly, 4 Sep 2008 @ 2:43pm

    Jiggling

    So...we jigglin' or?

    link to this | view in thread ]

  36. identicon
    Acoi, 4 Sep 2008 @ 2:51pm

    Pre-Purchased

    I already pre-purchased my copy of the CDs (and NON-DRM MP3 downloads), but it wasn't the fact that I got the CDs fast or anything, it is because of all of the ADDITIONAL Free content that I got by purchasing it as part of my membership to missionmetallica.com. They have release over a GIG of free content to missionmetallica members. It looks like they started getting the Picture of what the internet with a GREAT fan base can mean.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  37. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 4 Sep 2008 @ 3:15pm

    Re: I'm the best

    HEY WTF

    he first Laq of thermodynamics states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed......unless it meets Chuck Norris

    link to this | view in thread ]

  38. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 4 Sep 2008 @ 3:27pm

    After hearing the few tracks they've released so far I wouldn't even bother downloading the leak. Blah...

    link to this | view in thread ]

  39. identicon
    Rodney, 4 Sep 2008 @ 4:01pm

    My Two Cents

    I am 40, have been a Metallica fan since day one almost. Probably the best Heavy Metal band EVER. I remember back in the day when I would have tattooed METALLICA across my fucking forehead, but sadly those days are over and have been for a long time. I still can't believe that a band capable of turning out the best Heavy Metal album of all time, Ride The Lightning, is putting out the crap they do today. These guys are washed up. Yeah, they can still manage a heavy ass riff or two and every now and then I hear something that reminds me of the old days but for the most part these dudes are just money hungry chumps. I lost respect for them when I first heard that stupid ass little girl song Enter Sandman, which ironically made them super stars and millionaires over night. You guys sold out! I guess I mighta to if some record label was waving a zillion bucks under my nose, but how would I sleep at night? I guess pretty well on a pile of money. It’s all about the money I guess but I miss the days it was all about the music. Oh well. Goodbye Guys, I will always have the memories.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  40. identicon
    Tracking Systems, 4 Sep 2008 @ 4:57pm

    Interesting that most of you don't like them. I am anxious to hear what they have going. I think it will be interesting to see what happens.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  41. identicon
    Zaphod, 5 Sep 2008 @ 1:00am

    What people buy...

    Most people will buy bread.

    Most people will buy gasoline.

    Most people will buy clothing.

    and...

    Most people will steal gold.


    Should Metallica have ever been upset about people swapping their music online? Think about it.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  42. icon
    MadJo (profile), 5 Sep 2008 @ 3:54am

    Re:

    Money.. GOOOOOD!

    link to this | view in thread ]

  43. identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 5 Sep 2008 @ 4:48am

    "Chop your breakfast on a mirror!"

    Lars, dude . . . what happened to you man . . . seriously . . . . ?

    link to this | view in thread ]

  44. identicon
    veins that pump with fear, 5 Sep 2008 @ 5:43am

    Damit!!! where is the leak in FLAC!! who wants to pirate shit at 192Kbs these days???

    link to this | view in thread ]

  45. identicon
    mobiGeek, 5 Sep 2008 @ 6:28am

    Re: Re: Re: F*&k Lars Ulrich in the @$$hole with a big rubber d!(k

    Let's see if we can come up with a list of other words that used to be thrown around "as an immature jab" which are now completely offensive.

    I'm not a fan of PC either, but the reality is that it began because there are a Whole Lot of people who don't realize what their language is actually doing, regardless of what they actually trying to say.

    So why exactly is using the word "gay" considered a "jab" to you? Oh right, because it is DEROGATORY.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  46. identicon
    gps tracking device, 5 Sep 2008 @ 10:06am

    Great article.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  47. identicon
    Lucretious, 5 Sep 2008 @ 11:55am

    Re: Re: Re: Re: F*&k Lars Ulrich in the @$$hole with a big rubber d!(k

    Correct but its also not being used as direct insult to gays. The words has morphed and evolved on its own. Granted it may have gotten its start by co-opting from the words' use in reference to homosexuals but, sorry, you don't get to hang on to the full word to reserve it for moments of moral outrage.

    seems every social and ethnic minority wants to hold on to their victimization as some kind of offensive weapon so they can argue from a morally advantageous position when the time is right. Fuck that.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  48. identicon
    Todd, 5 Sep 2008 @ 12:25pm

    Metal lick ah

    All I can say is this:

    I've lost all respect for that band when I saw that DVD "Some Kind of Monster". Dude, hiring a full time shrink at 40K a month to "help" the band deal with each other? James only being able to work/record 4 hours a day? Lars shooting his mouth off and being a whiny baby? Someone should punch Lars in his vagina! Kirk, why the hell did you stick around with these guys for all of these years? You're just a hired guitar player. What a shame. James and Lars, you're a bunch of fags and you haven’t put anything worth a crap since the Black Album. You’ve made your money as the corporate metal band. Just go away. You’ve had your time.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  49. identicon
    Randy, 5 Sep 2008 @ 12:41pm

    KIRK! WTF? WAH pedal in EVERY SONG. Really???!!

    Kirk, get your god damned foot OFF the fucking WAH WAH pedal man! WTF dude, you can't play without the WAH anymore? Jesus Christ! You used to be such a killer guitar player!

    link to this | view in thread ]

  50. identicon
    Sick of you dumb fucks, 11 Aug 2009 @ 10:36am

    Theft of livelyhoods

    Most of you are slobbering retards. Lars was right about the Napster thing, It's theft. Why do you think the music biz is in such a sorry state? Now the only "musicians" making money are auto=tune abusing bling hustling gangsters with nothing to say except to degrade thier own people and crap like Jones-ass brothers. I'm a musician and I can tell you I would have a record deal if the biz wasn't so fuckered because of you thieves! Lack of Sales hurts all aspects of the biz, it has a filter-down effect. A guy like Bob Dylan would never be heard these days fucking sad. BTW Lars never sued anyone, he found out it was possible to find out who was stealing (yes it's theft dumbfucks). I personally know musicians who are brilliant and they have 100,000 fans registered online and they tour all over who need to pawn thier instruments to fucking eat! you dumb fucks go crawl in a hole and die goddamn thieves you can't justify stealing these peoples livelyhoods! As for the new Metallica album I'm not too impressed but I am impressed that they stood up for themselves and all musicians and are being proven right about file stealing. I can't put into words how unimpressed I am with so called music fans, go fuck yourselves!!!

    link to this | view in thread ]


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