The current members of Metallica are James Hetfield (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Lars Ulrich (drums), Kirk Hammett (lead guitar) and Robert Trujillo (bass). Hetfield and Ulrich founded the band in Los Angeles in 1981 and are its primary songwriters. Hammett joined in 1983 and Trujillo in 2003, and this four-piece has been the line-up ever since.
Metallica is one of the founding “big four” bands of thrash metal, alongside Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer, and has been based in San Francisco for most of its career. Its most recent album is 72 Seasons (2023). Here is each current member, with roles and years as the band’s member list gives them, followed by the former members.
James Hetfield (1981–present)
Lead vocals and rhythm guitar. Hetfield co-founded Metallica with Ulrich, and the two are the only members who have been in the band since 1981.
Lars Ulrich (1981–present)
Drums. Ulrich co-founded the band with Hetfield, and the two remain its primary songwriters.
Kirk Hammett (1983–present)
Lead guitar and backing vocals. Hammett joined in 1983, replacing Dave Mustaine, who was fired that year and went on to form Megadeth. Hammett played on Master of Puppets (1986), the album that first brought the band commercial success.
Robert Trujillo (2003–present)
Bass and backing vocals. Trujillo joined in 2003. Between Jason Newsted’s exit in 2001 and Trujillo’s arrival, Bob Rock played bass as a session and touring musician.
Former Metallica Members
- Dave Mustaine, lead guitar (1981–1983). He formed Megadeth after leaving.
- Ron McGovney, bass (1981–1982).
- Cliff Burton, bass and backing vocals (1982–1986). He died in 1986.
- Jason Newsted, bass and backing vocals (1986–2001).
Session and Touring Musicians
Bob Rock is listed as a session and touring musician rather than a member. He played bass and sang backing vocals from 2001 to 2003, covering the gap between Newsted and Trujillo.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are the original members of Metallica still in the band? James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, who formed it in 1981.
- Who is Metallica’s bassist now? Robert Trujillo, since 2003.
- Was Dave Mustaine in Metallica? Yes. He played lead guitar from 1981 to 1983, then formed Megadeth.
- Where was Metallica formed? In Los Angeles, not San Francisco, though the band has been based in San Francisco for most of its career.
For the rest of the big four, see the current members of Anthrax and the complete list of Slayer band members, or the complete list of Testament band members.
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