Metallica started in 1981, and has since become a popular band in today’s society. Here are some interesting facts about the band, albums, and the singles that brought them to the fame they have today.

The band’s second album “Ride the Lightning” is known for its blue cover. However, a French press misprint led to about 400 green copies, which have now become collector’s items.The band’s third LP, “Master of Puppets,” was their first gold album. It ultimately sold 6 million copies. “Master of Puppets” was also their first LP released through a major record label, Elektra Records. They continued to have many great accomplishments after these achievements.

In April 2000, the band filed a lawsuit against Napster for distributing pirated music online. Eventually, Napster shut down. Jason Newsted left Metallica in 2001, stating that the band was more focused on fighting Napster than making music. Newsted also said that he needed time away to heal from neck and back injuries he sustained from headbanging over the years. 

The band released an album And Justice for All (1988) which included the song “One,” the group’s first Top 40 single. They followed with “The Black Album” (1991) which sold more than 15 million copies due to singles such as “Enter Sandman”, “The Unforgiven”, and “Sad But True”. Metallica’s third album, “Master of Puppets” (1986), sold more than three million copies with very little support from broadcast radio. The album’s title track opened with what would become one of heavy metal’s most recognizable guitar riffs, and songs such as “Battery” and “Damage, Inc.”

For more information, check out https://interestingfacts.co.za/music/metallica/, https://loudwire.com/20-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-metallica/, and https://www.britannica.com/topic/Metallica.