Metallica hardly requires an introduction, and it’s undeniable that without frontman James Hetfield, they wouldn’t have been the trailblazing thrash metal icons that stormed onto the scene in the 1980s. Besides their monumental commercial success, Metallica are among the most influential bands ever. Their ability to navigate various musical territories has allowed them to achieve remarkable success, demonstrating their prowess across different spectrums of the music industry.
Although each band member possesses individual iconic status, the impact of Hetfield is undeniable. A commanding presence with an unmistakable voice, he also excels as a legendary guitarist — an accomplishment few musicians achieve. Arguably, you could interchange any Metallica member and maintain the band’s essence, yet removing Hetfield would transform the group into something entirely different.
Throughout his extensive and successful career, which spans diverse stylistic realms, Hetfield has consistently acknowledged the many musicians and genres who have influenced him and his approach to creating iconic soundscapes. It is no surprise that punk, specifically, is one he particularly holds dear. After all, Metallica drew inspiration for its metal sound from the new wave of British heavy metal, speed metal, and punk rock.
When delving into specific bands that captured his attention, Hetfield names the one that occupies space in most metal luminaries’ minds: The Misfits. Metallica has paid tribute to this band in the past by covering songs like ‘Last Caress’ and ‘Green Hell’ in 1987 for their EP The $5.98 EP – Garage Days Re-Revisited, later covering ‘Die, Die My Darling’ in 1998. Then, three years later, during their 30th anniversary concert, original The Misfits singer Glenn Danzig joined Metallica on stage for a special performance.
Aside from providing unmatched metal and rock inspiration, The Misfits also gave Hetfield new ideas with rhythmic approaches. “My rhythm gods are Tony Iommi, Rudolf Schenker and Malcolm Young,” Hetfield told Music Radar in 2009. “Guys who just keep it steady. The Misfits too. Even the Ramones with their simplicity. It’s all down picking! Watch some footage of Johnny Ramone, and you’ll go, ‘Wow!’”
Throughout the years, Hetfield often reiterated his profound admiration for the Ramones, particularly emphasising the significant influence of Johnny Ramone’s guitar style, which he considers one of his primary inspirations. Johnny Ramone maintained a steadfast presence within the group alongside vocalist Joey Ramone. They stood as pivotal figures in shaping the trajectory of punk rock, especially in defining its characteristic format of short, rapid-paced tracks.
In terms of quintessential notoriety, another punk group that Hetfield appreciates is Fear. Formed in Los Angeles in 1977, Fear is credited as a pioneering force in the California hardcore and punk scene that surged in the late 1970s, disrupting the prevailing soft rock dominance on the airwaves. Lee Ving, the band’s frontman and sole constant member, wholly embodied the signature punk ethos. His unyielding, aggressive, and unwavering persona steered the bedlam that accompanied Fear’s performances at every venue they frequented.
Hetfield also once disclosed on the band’s official website that the title of Metallica’s song ‘Spit Out The Bone’ was inspired by the G.B.H. track ‘Passenger On The Menu’. “Thank you, G.B.H. for the ‘Spit Out The Bone’ line,” he wrote. “I know their song was a little different. Their song was about the Donner Party and cannibalism. This is a little different. Just the wonder and fear of, again, what’s happening to man. Without future tripping too much, just the possibilities of Terminator, stuff like that, you know. We’re wearing smartwatches. Things are getting closer and closer to just being in us.”
G.B.H. is recognised as a trailblazer in British street punk’s early days, significantly influencing thrash metal bands such as Exodus, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax. “Falling in love and getting your heart broken? That doesn’t do anybody good,” Hetfield said while explaining the charge behind ‘Spit Out The Bone’. “You know, the heart and blood? It’s in the way of efficiency! We could be a much more efficient race if we just allow computers to help us,” he added: “So ‘Spit Out the Bone’ is that your bones aren’t needed. They break!”
James Hetfield’s favourite punk bands:
The Misfits
Ramones
Fear
Discharge
G.B.H.
Cro-Mags
English Dogs
