On April 8, 1996 came the drummer.. Lars!

Lars did three chats, two private Metallica Club members only Chats, and one Center Stage chat. These chats were particularly exciting as new "Load" song titles were announced for the very first time!

As with all the other online chats, this has been edited to make it easier to read.

MET CLUB: I don't think Oasis would ever support Metallica, and Bush are ok, they don't do much for either negative or positve me

MET CLUB: Chtulu

CTHULUMAN: did jaymz' pops dying (my condolences) affect the record ?

MET CLUB: I think there have been very subtle affects that have crept in some lyrics, but generally from a

MET CLUB: time point of view it didn't affect recording much too badly

MET CLUB: Whed

WHedr1: Not counting TBA, what songs haven't you played live?

MET CLUB: we have never played Dyer's Eve, Escape, adn I think that;'s it

MET CLUB: Gretsch

Gretsch15: What brand of drumset did you have at a younger age?

MET CLUB: Please have your question ready, do not ask it until you are called on.

MET CLUB: ludwig, cause I wanted the same drum kit as Iam paicee from deep purple

MET CLUB: JD

JDROP: Jason and the IR8 situation... how far did it almost go?

MET CLUB: anybody have Mike Inez phone number?? nuff said

MET CLUB: nah, ....a couple of good round table talks

MET CLUB: and everything got talked through

MET CLUB: VJHIGH

VJHIGHLAND: who do you want to see in the "special guests" slot on Lolla? did you request Soundgarden?

MET CLUB: Please have your question ready, do not ask it until you are called on.

MET CLUB: we definitately pushed for Soundgarden...the special guest slots.. I ahve heard some very cool names t

MET CLUB: thrown aroung, some of which include, but not confirmed, Tom Waites..Waylon Jennings...

MET CLUB: and I am also pushing hard Black Grape on the B stage

MET CLUB: metal Mel

Metal Mel: I've heard that a cover of Def Lep's Wasted has been recorded by you guys...Is it on Load,

MET CLUB: and also.. IR8

Metal Mel: why that song, and how different is it from the original?

MET CLUB: one word answer... no

MET CLUB: Metal1996

MET CLUB: Please have your question ready, do not ask it until you are called on.

Metal1996: Is it true that you are dating Courtney Love?

MET CLUB: no, she dumped me for that half naked man on the cover of the new Rolling Stone

MET CLUB: Jaymz666

Jaymz666: What's your favorite Ramones album? How does it feel to be on the same bill with them?

MET CLUB: the first one and "Leave Home"......right on

MET CLUB: JD L LK

JD L LK: How do you feel about some of the "so called fans" saying that METALLICA has "sold out" or

JD L LK: "gone mainstream"

MET CLUB: I believe that the real fans knows the real story and that the mainstream came to us

MET CLUB: Devito

MDevito893: Have you ever considered working with engineer/producer Martin (Purple, Rainbow) Birch?

MET CLUB: Hi mark.. check's in the mail

MDevito893: thanks

JDROP: (Fan Can)

MET CLUB: definitely was interested in Birch in the early years when he was making all those Iron Maiden

MET CLUB: records

MET CLUB: but the relationship with Flemming Rasmussen was also too strong to break

MET CLUB: Shane

SHANE5150: Was is hard for you and James to give Jason and Kirk more input on the song writing?

MET CLUB: not at all, we have always picke dthe best material and whoever came up the idea is irealevant

MET CLUB: Ktulu

Ktulu 77: do you guyz dislike Pantera? if so why? support any death?think cliff would have a custom bass if alive?

Ktulu 77: like his own line of basses

MET CLUB: no, I don;t dislike Pantera...I don't know much about death music....

MET CLUB: I think cluff would Probably have his own line of spliff basses

MET CLUB: WASP

MET CLUB: Please have your question ready, do not ask it until you are called on.

MET CLUB: Wasp

W1A1S1P1: I always have wanted to Thank You Lars, For tossing me a Drum stick at a show in Foxboro,Ma

W1A1S1P1: 9-11-92 Thanks a bunch

W1A1S1P1: That show Kicked ASS

MET CLUB: You're welcomebut just know I had a personal relationship with

MET CLUB: that stick and I miss it

W1A1S1P1::(

MET CLUB: Chappelle

CHAPPELLE: What about a fan club party, somewhere in the USA, for just jammin' around, maybe with

CHAPPELLE: guests and for charity and/or pay per view?

MET CLUB: maybe we can organize an album release party at my house and you're all invited

CHAPPELLE: cool

JD L LK: cool

MET CLUB: nah, on second thought, we are definitely lining up some scattered club gigs around the release of

MET CLUB: the record for club members only

MET CLUB: watch this space

CHAPPELLE: cleveland?

MET CLUB: 3 nights in cleveland

MET CLUB: maybe

MET CLUB: only molly

OnlyMolly: Do You think MTV does more bad than good? I think its filled with a lot of mind numbing crap

CHAPPELLE: let's drink

MET CLUB: I htink the Grind is the best show on tv.. my aim in life is to be the guest host

MET CLUB: Phyland

PHyland: How do you like doing online events? Any chance we'll see sneak previews of load online?

MET CLUB: how much free AOL time do we get out of that??

MET CLUB: I like doing this on-line stuff and we are definitely considering the preview stuff

PHyland: Might get some online sales...I'll lurk from here on out, thanks:)

MET CLUB: steve

Stevene127: Is "Devil Dance" going to be on "Load"?... and any ballads? (Hope this wasn't asked yet)

MET CLUB: Devil's Dance will not be on Load, it will be on album #7 with all the roughly 14 other songs

MET CLUB: that we have been working on for the last 6 months

MET CLUB: I wouldn't use the word ballad, but there is a fairly mellow song on Load

MET CLUB: Ouija

OUIJA 17: what is your favorite beer? hard liquor?

MET CLUB: the first one of evening, then the next one, the free one, the cold one.. the one from furthest

MET CLUB: away

MET CLUB: ...I ahve been drinking a lot of Bombay Saphhire Gin lately

MET CLUB: Cthulu

CTHULUMAN: any idea's for the next fan can and when its due out? btw- i dug the 1st one

MET CLUB: our plan is to have a Fan Can once a year, generally aorund Christmas to late winter

MET CLUB: Whedr

WHedr1: Many people say that Metallica saved their lives....I'm sure you've heard this more times

WHedr1: that you're heard the phrase "Sell out"..... does it still affect you?

MET CLUB: anytime anybody has something to say about Metallica it affects you, but when people say that

MET CLUB: Metallica saved their lives, it blows your mind

MET CLUB: Gretsch

Gretsch15: How do you feel about having been a band through 2 generations (80's +90's) and playing for

Gretsch15: 2 completely different sets of fans? You've gone from openers to headliners to gods! How doe

Gretsch15: s this make u feel?

MET CLUB: i am always so focused in the present that the past is not something I think alot about, but when

MET CLUB: you point it out like you just did, of course it feels great

MET CLUB: JD

JDROP: Metallica is known for the cover tunes. What do we have to look forward to this time around?

MET CLUB: we are just coming around to think of that right now

MET CLUB: we are throwing the ideas around and we've got one ot two pretty unusual ideas

MET CLUB: VJHIGH

VJHIGHLAND: how has Kirk and Jason's influence affected "Load"? also any chance of you playing

VJHIGHLAND: any songs from album no 7 on the next tour

MET CLUB: we actually did talk about that and I tell you there is a good shot that we might

MET CLUB: most of kirks contributions have made the guitar riffs bluesier and bouncyer

MET CLUB: Metalmel

Metal Mel: Is a Detroit date on your list for a club release show? How will the shortened Lolla set aff

Metal Mel: ect your setlist choices?

MET CLUB: no plans for Detroit....I just started thinking about the set list and I definitely want to put togeth

MET CLUB: together a really tight and "up" set

MET CLUB: Metal1996

Metal1996: Do you think mags like Rolling Stone will support Metallica this time?

MET CLUB: I think Rolling Stone will fucking blow a big wad when they hear this record

MET CLUB: I just hope they don't find out we are in NY

MET CLUB: Jaymz

Jaymz666: Would you ever consider letting non-signed bands open up for you? I know of one that you

Jaymz666: might just fuckin' like. They're called Juvenocracy.

Jaymz666: Ask Devito about 'em.

MET CLUB: are they as good as Oasis>?

Jaymz666: Hmmmm.

MET CLUB: JDlLK

JD L LK: What was your first reaction to being asked to play at Lolla, BTW, I agree w/what you said

JD L LK: about real fans and mainstream going to you. METALLICA RULZ!!!

MET CLUB: I was intially very surprised but when I thought about it, it kind of made sense.. I think Metallica

MET CLUB: is always about being the underdog and the outsiders, but in some perverse way

MET CLUB: I think Metallia and Lollapalooza in 1996 fit together really well

MET CLUB: devito

MDevito893: "Is my check really in the mail?" OR "Any info on the next "year & 1/2 in the life of" video?"

JD L LK: I agree

MET CLUB: there were no cameras documenting the making of this record other than the stuff you guys saw

MET CLUB: in the Fan Can, but we did take a camera crew with us on our Donington/tuk trek in August 95

MET CLUB: and there's a chance we might do something with that fairly soon

MET CLUB: shane

MDevito893: cool. can't wait to see it.

SHANE5150: Are you good friends with Sammy Hagar and haven't you gone to Cabo and jammed?

MET CLUB: Sammy lives 10 minutes from me and we run into each other often and I did go down to Cabo with Jerry

MET CLUB: and Mike from AIC in OCT 94 and got up to absolutely no good

MET CLUB: ktulu 77

Ktulu 77: answer honestly please:who did u work better with?cliff/jason? did cliff have a girlfriend?what kind

Ktulu 77: of cigarettes did he smoke?

MET CLUB: honest answer.. Cliff and Jason were/are so polar opposites that it doesn't compare... cliff had one o

MET CLUB: or two girlfriends in the years that i knew him

MET CLUB: I think it was Marlboro and some funny green ones

MET CLUB: with a different smell

MET CLUB: WASP

W1A1S1P1: In the "Roam" tour book there is a picture of you "Bleeding For Moscow" What happened?

W1A1S1P1: also will the Snake Pit be included in the LOAD Tour

MET CLUB: during "Harvester" my finger got caught between the rim and the stick and decided to bleed for the

MET CLUB: next 6 hours

MET CLUB: chapp

W1A1S1P1: PAIN :( Sorry

CHAPPELLE: How come James hasn't done sommersaults since the first tours? He's a clown!

MET CLUB: what the hell are you talking about?? I have no idea

MET CLUB: only molly

OnlyMolly: Would you ever do any shows with NIN? The two best live bands would crush.

MET CLUB: I love NIN we actually did play together at Woodstock ,, remember.. we tried to get them play with us

MET CLUB: at Donington last year and maybe we'll do something one day

MET CLUB: Steve

Stevene127: In regard to your new symbol with the four M's - whose idea....and Will the Scary Guy be preserved?

Stevene127: (I did the SG interview in So What) and why Bombay over Tanguery?

MET CLUB: The four M symbol was James' idea and I am sure Scary Guy will pop up again soon

MET CLUB: and Bombay is stronger the Tanguery and it's easier to spell

MET CLUB: Ok.. thanks alot, it's been fun!!

MET CLUB: Hello from Lars...

JessUM: Lars, do you have a title for the song about 20 minutes into the fan can video, the fast... one that goes "Out of your mind and into mine"?

MET CLUB: It's called "Ain't my Bitch;" potential album opener.

SSteele023: Hey Lars! Thanx for the drumstick in Clarkston, MI. What's going on with side projects, like the Thin Lizzy tribute album?

MET CLUB: Right now everybody is 110% focused on Metallica, the side projects are in off time. Obviously we are tied with Metallica for the next long while.

LuvJaysun: Lars, any more Lollapalooza dates available?

MET CLUB: The Lollapalooza dates are not yet finalized, because the tour is trying to play some different places than before. It's quite hard to find the right spots in certain areas and there are also a couple of places where I understand that the tour has been denied permits, so all the dates are still being dealt with and as soon as they are finalized you can get details through the Metallica Club!

Metalimirk: In 'Master Of Puppets' & '...And Justice For All,' there was an overriding theme that connected all songs on the LP. Is this something to be expected with Load, or the upcoming 7th Album?

MET CLUB: We've been getting into doing things less direct and more vague than before.. there definitely isn't an overriding theme on the new record and most of the lyrics are much more personal than they have ever been before.

Dirtnap101: What covers/B-sides are you guys working on this time around? How do you guys keep in shape for those never ending tours and those long studio sessions?

MET CLUB: The B-side issue is something we are just getting around to dealing with. Being on tour keeps you in shape automatically by playing everyday, it's the down time that is the problem.

JagerJ: Lars, you're the best!! I love your simple, groove-oriented style, but... is there going to be more double-bass on the new album?

MET CLUB: I got really bored with all the double bass stuff I was doing and needing some new challenges. Trying to play simple, loose and bouncy was a lot harder than I initially thought and I am still really into the challenge.

HSwann: How old were you when you started playing and who do you think is the best drummer of all time?

MET CLUB: I was around 12... the two best drummers of all time for me are Ian Paice of 'Deep Purple' for ability, and Phil Rudd of 'AC/DC' for groove and swing.

PaulieMet: Lars what do you guys think about the comments about your new look?

MET CLUB: I can actually understand that some people question it... but I can tell you from the bottom of my heart that there are no reasons, other than the four of us, at various points in the last year, getting bored with having long hair and decided to do something about it.

BREDFAN666: Will Metallica ever make another album that's fast like 'Kill 'em All,' 'Ride the Lightning,' 'Master of Puppets' and 'Justice'?

MET CLUB: We already made those records... why repeat ourselves? I learned to never say never... so who knows in the future, but right now our hearts and souls are in a slightly different place.

J3SIDES: Is there going to be any type of seating for Metallica Club members? Or are all Lollapalooza's general admission? Lars, what are your thoughtson Perry Farrell's comments?

MET CLUB: You gotta remember Lollapalooza is not our tour and we are not trying to take it over and control it.. we will do what we can for you guys and as far as I know now all Lollapalooza dates are general admission. As far as Perry Farrell goes... I know he has wanted out for a couple of years and if he wants to use Metallica as the scapegoat, I don't give a s***!

Hunter1115: What do you think about Detroit's Z-Rock holding an annual 36 hour Metallica-thon?

MET CLUB: I think it's really cool, how about doing it weekly!?

Battery424: I've heard rumor of you guys playing a "Grateful Dead" type tour, as far as set lists go.. i.e. not playing the same show in a row... have you even thought about that?

MET CLUB: We are definitely going to try and be loose with the set list than we have been before, but you do come to a point where you realize that certain things work better than others and you can't discard that.

SStANKERS: Are you guys going to do another Day On the Green or any other concerts to open up the tour, preferably Oakland?

MET CLUB: We are going to do some scattered club dates for Metallica club members only in June in the states and we are going to play a big festival in Copenhagen Denmark June 15th... then off to Lollapalooza!

KELLCEE: Hey Lars! Are you (Metallica) planning on expanding your music video production into more creative endeavors rather than performance clips?

MET CLUB: We are dealing with that right now, some of the people we are talking to are definitely of a different mind set than the people we have used before, believe me!

Evil Carlos:Will 'Load' (and the singles) be available on vinyl? Any thoughtson having a CD-Rom deal?

MET CLUB:I know the album will be available on vinyl as a double album..not sure about the singles. I don't know s*** about CD-Rom.... ask Kirk! RydDaWind:Hey Lars, very big fan, I choose your playin' style over other drummers! Anyhow... the question is, has a fan ever come up to you and openly told you that you guys disappointed him in any way? And if so, do you ever think about that over night?

MET CLUB:Anybody who tells you that they don't care about what people think is lying... but everybody has different ways of dealing with it... and yes, people have come and told us things like that.. but the positive outweighs the negative about 100 to 1.

CLRPLATE: Where do you get inspiration for song writing?

MET CLUB: Just listening to any music that gets you off in general... it's impossible to pinpoint much beyond that.

CMKav: Lars, do you check the Metallica message boards here on AOL, and if so what do you think of them?

MET CLUB: I check them from time to time, mostly in cycles...like I'll check everyday for a week and then not for a couple of weeks it's pretty fun, but sometimes it's kind of distracting to have people give you their opinions on something you are still working on and not even done with yet.

MET CLUB:Look forward to see all you guys this summer! Let's have some fun on Lollapalooza! See ya!

OnlineHost: Copyright 1996 America Online, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

OnlineHost: Your host for tonight is AOLiveMC4 ( RobertJDB )

AOLiveMC4: Good evening and welcome to Center Stage Lars Ulrich!

MET CLUB: Hi. Lars here, live from NYC.

AOLiveMC4: Ready for some audience questions Lars?

MET CLUB: Ready to go.

Question: Lars, how long do you guys get to play for Lollapalooza and will there be a snake pit?

MET CLUB: We will be playing for 90 minutes and there will be no snake pit.

Question: What will the new album be like? Will there be any instrumentals? What is it's title?

MET CLUB: The title is "LOAD". It is amazing. The best thing we've done since the last album and there are a lot of instrumental bits between the vocals.

Question: About the new logo, will it be on the next album cover? What will the cover look like?

MET CLUB: The new logo will definitely be part of the album package. The cover will be a photo that is really cool and in a warped way, could tie in with the title.

Question: What do you think about some of these new, no hair, grungy looking bands today?

MET CLUB: They should shower.

Question: Lars, I was wondering if you could tell us what inspired Metallica to take part in Lollapalooza 1996?

MET CLUB: A desire to try something different, going into uncharted territory, to play with bands that we would not normally get to play with, and the fun of a live experience that is new to us.

Question: Are you going to do any videos this time around? Please say no!

MET CLUB: Ok... no... Sorry I am lying. We are just talking about that as we are speaking... nothing definitive yet

Question: May I ask why you downsized your set Lars?

MET CLUB: I was hanging out in Seattle with my friend Jerry, from "Alice in Chains" and we went down to their practice room for a jam and I played on Shawns's drums and I really loved playing on the smaller drums. I went back to SF and downsized my own kit.

Question: Lars, tell us about the most memorable moment of your career?

MET CLUB: Talking on AOL right now, or getting my hair cut.

Question: Hi Lars, this is Stephan from MD, What were the main influences for the new album?

MET CLUB: Bombay Sapphire Gin and generally just trying to loosen up. Once again as with every record we have ever done, follow our instincts and just play what our hearts tell us to do.

Question: Lars, do you plan on doing another tour for "LOAD" other than Lollapalooza?

MET CLUB: After Lolla, we go overseas for the rest of the year but anybody who knows our previous touring escapades will probably guess what happens next.

Question: Can you give a hint to any of the other song names/subjects for "LOAD"?

MET CLUB: Don't tell anyone but...a couple of other song titles are.. "Cure"..."Until It Sleeps" and "King Nothing"

Question: Why did you guys cut your hair?

MET CLUB: To give you guys something to talk about and... for no other reason than I wanted to.

Question: Lars, after all of the live material you guys have put out, is there any song from your earlier records that you may play for the first time on tour this time around?

MET CLUB: Good question. I think there will be and I already have one potential in mind, but I can guarantee that there will be some surprises next time you see us live.

Question: Lars, I'm 13, and all of my friends have been telling me that you guys are going "alternative." PLEASE tell me that isn't true. I've got all your albums, "Binge & Purge", etc. Thanks.

MET CLUB: We are not going "anything", this is the 15th year of us doing what we have always done and the only thing we know how to do, which is be Metallica.

Question: Lars, Metallica obviously hasn't reached its peak yet, with every record doing better than the last... what are your feelings on this?

MET CLUB: Is that a question from Bob Rock? Aa with any record, my feelings are that this is the best record we can make at this time, whatever happens... happens.

Question: Lars, how do you think that your playing styles have varied from the "Kill 'Em All days", to present day?

MET CLUB: Our musical horizons and abilities have definitely broadened, our styles have matured as we have.

Question: Hello, I've been writing and recording music in my own studio for the past 6 years. Any suggestions how I can get bands to listen to the songs for consideration ?

MET CLUB: Send them to publishing companies.

Question: Do you know of anywhere that I can get a hold of your NWOBHM: '79 Revisited record? I've tried like hell to find it, but I always end up empty-handed!

MET CLUB: Why don't you call Metalblade records and ask them. That's the label it came out on. I think they are located in the 805 area code.

Question: Hi Lars. Will there be anyone other than James singing lead on the new album?

MET CLUB: No. Jason is doing some backups here and there.

Question: Lars, tell us yourself, how heavy is the new album?

MET CLUB: 8 oz..

Question: How long have you guys been working on the new album?

MET CLUB: We started writing in late 94, went in the studio last summer, and have been working on it ever since.

Question: I'm a big fan of the double bass on "Master and Justice". How come you lacked a lot of it on Metallica?

MET CLUB: Cause I got bored with it and wanted experiment with some different drum things.

Question: Lars, say that Metallica just formed last year and "Kill 'em All" released instead of "LOAD", with the industry where it is now do you think a label would be interested in the band and do you think you would be able to reach the status you have today? PS: You guys are GODS!

MET CLUB: I hate speculating...so I can't really give you an answer on that, but maybe with our new silly hair cuts we would stand a better chance.

Question: Metallica and Oasis-- what's the connection?

MET CLUB: Two good bands that both like great songs and have a lot of attitude. Two good band that write good songs... sorry.

Question: Is there anything about your career that you would change?

MET CLUB: Being photographed in a white leather jacket in the fall of 91.

Question: Yo Lars, during your last tour what size and what kind of china did you use?

MET CLUB: 19 inch china boy low, Zildjian.

Question: When did you first start playing the drums, and do you regret quitting Tennis?

MET CLUB: I first started drums in 1976 and having the same drum kit and being greatly influenced by Ian Paicee from "Deep Purple" and John Coglan from "Status Quo". I do not regret quitting tennis.

Question: Who's your favorite band (besides Metallica!)?

MET CLUB: At the moment it's "Alice in Chains", "Oasis", "COC" and "Black Grape". All time favorites..."Deep Purple", "Motorhead", "Diamond Head" and "Black Sabbath".

Question: Why did you choose to call the new album "LOAD"?

MET CLUB: We wanted a name that sounded really good , that was vague and had lots of different meanings.

AOLiveMC4: We have time for one last question.

Question: Will there be lots of those patented Metallica guitar solos?

MET CLUB: There will be a few songs with "those patented Metallica guitar solos". There will be a few songs with some very different Metallica guitar solos. There will be a few songs with some solos from James and a few songs with no solos.

AOLiveMC4: Lars Ulrich, thanks for joining us tonight and we all look forward to the release of "LOAD". Any closing comments?

MET CLUB: See all of you all soon!

AOLiveMC4: Thank you audience for joining us and for your great questions! Goodnight!

OnlineHost: Copyright 1996 America Online, Inc. All Rights Reserved.