Credit: Ross HalfinMetallica‘s James Hetfield is one of the most famous rock vocalists in the world, but there was a time when the musician had a bit of a confidence problem. According to Megaforce Records co-founder Jon “Jonny Z” Zazula, who signed Metallica to their first record deal, the band briefly considered making drummer Lars Ulrich their frontman.
“Lars and I planned a lot of stuff. But James wasn’t the most confident of singers,” Zazula tells Metal Hammer. “I don’t think he felt comfortable.”
“At one point there was even talk of Lars becoming the frontman,” he continues. “For about five seconds.”
Of course, Ulrich stayed behind the kit, Hetfield handled vocal duties and Metallica became, well, Metallica. Ulrich will keep on drumming and Hetfield will keep on singing on the metal legends’ forthcoming 10th studio album, which is expected to be released this year.
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