Metallica

One of the most commercially successful metal bands of the 1980s and 1990s, Metallica gained the bulk of its success without the aid of heavy radio airplay or advertising. Rather, the band supported its releases, including Kill 'Em All (1983), Master of Puppets (1986), and ...And Justice for All (1988), with a heavy touring schedule and developing a special relationship with its fans. Like the Grateful Dead, Metallica set up special sections at concerts for fans who wanted to record their concerts. Metallica was known for its uncompromising style throughout the 1980s. However, with 1991's release, Metallica, the band became a bit more mainstream, performing shorter songs with broader appeal, although retaining its unique style. Audiences responded and Metallica sold more than 10 million copies. The band received a Grammy Award in 1990 for its first video, One. Based on the success of its most recent releases, Load (1996), Re-Load (1997), and Garage Inc. (1998) the band shows no signs of slowing down.

Lars Ulrich

Jayms

Kirk Hammett

Jason Newsted