Metallica has been a dominant force in heavy metal for over four decades. Despite most of the band have surpassed their 60s – and Robert Trujillo not too far behind at 59 – their passion for music shows no signs of waning, with their ongoing M72 World Tour in full swing and proving that they still have the energy and drive to captivate audiences.
Still, it's inevitable to think of age as a factor that can impact live performance for any band. In a recent conversation with the Star Tribune, guitarist Kirk Hammett addressed the physical demands of performing thrash metal at their age. While acknowledging the challenges, he expressed the band's determination to continue playing for as long as possible.
"For two of the guys in the band, the shows take a lot more of a physical toll on their bodies," Hammett revealed, likely referring to singer James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich. "The age thing is definitely a bit of a factor."
Despite these challenges, he emphasized the band's goal to follow in the footsteps of The Rolling Stones (Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood – are aged 81, 80, and 77, respectively), with them serving as a beacon of longevity: "The Stones are setting another precedent playing into their 80s. That's inspiring to us, man. That's our goal."
Hammett also took a moment to praise Wolfgang Van Halen, son of the late guitar legend Eddie Van Halen, and his band Mammoth WVH which is one of the bands that has opened for Metallica during the tour. He remarked: "Wow, what a guitar player. He just lives and breathes that guitar-playing legacy that his dad created. I'm so, so, so stoked to see that happening."
Hammett also reflected on the current Pantera celebration, another band that has been playing during the tour with them, saying: "I think it's a great thing. It's a tribute to the brothers keeping their legacy alive. And it's a great thing for Pantera fans. Even though it's not the original Pantera, you still get to see Phil and Rex, and Zakk and Charlie are doing a damn good job."
