The week of July 2, 2025 on The Metallica Report… Metallica is just days away from performing at Back To The Beginning, Black Sabbath’s long-awaited reunion and farewell show in Birmingham, England, with a heavy-hitting lineup of Sabbath-admirers. Ramping up in the excitement, Steff and Renée hear James, Lars, Kirk, and Robert share their earliest memories of hearing Sabbath’s mighty music. Robert also shares his true behind-the-scenes insight into what it's like to tour, play, and write with Oz...
Jul 02, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 102
The week of June 25, 2025 on The Metallica Report… Steff and Renée celebrate 100 episodes of The Metallica Report! Joining them for this major milestone are James, Lars, Kirk, and Robert for a roundtable-style question and answer session fueled by fan submissions. It’s fun, loose, and engaging—the quintessential Metalli-chat vibe. The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday.Upcoming Tour Dates: metallica.com/t...
Jun 25, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 100
The Week of June 18, 2025 on The Metallica Report… We report from the Tribeca Festival in New York City, where the band’s new documentary, Metallica Saved My Life, received its official premiere. Robert Trujillo delves into what a team effort this project was, and the Metallica Family stars of the movie — Lina Khatib, Camila Guerrero Diaz, Jose Ochoa, Austin Manning, Valerie Leclerc, and Glenn Nordbø —react to seeing their stories play out on the big screen. The Metallica Report – your official,...
Jun 18, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 99
On Friday the 13th and in honor of release day, Steff & Renée hand it over to Dan Nykolayko — the band’s Director of Digital Content and curator of these massive reissues—to go further into the Load Remastered Deluxe Box Set. Dan discusses the album itself, Atmos mixes, and some never-before-heard Motörhead covers, among many more treasures to discover. There are literally “loads” to enjoy in this Special Edition episode!' The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Met...
Jun 13, 2025•16 min
The week of June 11, 2025 on The Metallica Report… James and Robert answer a couple of listener questions, addressing their influences, inspiration, and where life might have taken them if they weren’t in Metallica. We also hear the third installment of the DanLoad from Dan Nykolayko, this week exploring the DVDs in the back-breakingly gargantuan Load (Remastered) Deluxe Box Set. The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode ev...
Jun 11, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 98
The week of June 4th, 2025 on The Metallica Report… Steff & Renée discuss The Metallica Marching Band competition and hear from Virginia Tech’s Athletic Musical Director, Polly Middleton, how The Marching Virginians create their stadium-shaking interpretation of “Enter Sandman.” Then, on this week’s DanLoad, we dive deep into the world of “Shadowcast” and other related Load Deluxe Box Set morsels centering around ideas, rough takes, and alternate versions of the Load album songs. The Metalli...
Jun 04, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 97
The week of May 28, 2025 on The Metallica Report… It’s a family affair! Steff and Renée hear from Robert Trujillo, Mike Muir, and Tye Trujillo on the magical bond of generational family ties between Suicidal Tendencies, Team Trujillo, and Metallica. And Dan Nykolayko takes the mic as he drops the first DanLoad, a segment that dives deep into the live audio included in the huge Load Deluxe Box Set, releasing June 13. The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, str...
May 28, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 96
The week of May 21, 2025 on The Metallica Report… Steff and Renée sit down with Dan Nykolayko and Eleni Psaltis, the curators of the upcoming Load Deluxe Box Set. From what the band envisioned to chasing down previously undiscovered recordings and live performances, Dan and Eleni bring us from Lars’ basement to Inveniem and everywhere in between while they discuss the scope of—and stories behind—producing this gargantuan release. They even share an exclusive audio snippet!The Metallica Report – ...
May 21, 2025•35 min•Season 95Ep. 1
The week of May 14, 2025 on The Metallica Report… Steff and Renée reflect on a seismic night at Lane Stadium with the Virginia Tech Hokies, while James and Kirk consider how the latest phase of inter-band relationships is proving such positive fuel for both Metallica and M72 in 2025. Then, Robert runs through his “match day routine,” and James answers a question posed by fan Scott Vanderveer. The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. N...
May 14, 2025•22 min
The week of May 7, 2025 on The Metallica Report… This week is all about “...Sandman,” “...Sandman,” “ and more “...Sandman.” First, we hear from James Hetfield about his developing appreciation for the equestrian world after meeting Sandman, the horse that just competed in the Kentucky Derby. Steff and Renée are also joined by the Virginia Fuel Chapter to chat about Virginia Tech's “Enter Sandman” phenomenon, as well as Jed Castro, the Senior Athletics Director at V Tech, who helped get the icon...
May 07, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 93
The week of April 30, 2025 on The Metallica Report… With M72 2025 in full stride, James Hetfield sits down to discuss what it’s like to be back on the M72 stage, his relationship with some of those older songs, and his rituals and superstitions—on and off the road. James also shares his latest humorous, pre-tour nightmare anxieties and goes all-in on answering a fan’s question about the song “Escape. ”The Metallica Report – your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the ...
Apr 30, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 92
The week of April 22, 2025 on The Metallica Report… As soon as the show in Syracuse concludes, Steffan and Renée are hard at work recapping the M72 2025 kickoff, still riding high off the energy in the JMA Wireless Dome. And no report is hotter off the press than Steff’s conversation with Robert Trujillo in the back of his van, leaving the venue. We also get the inside scoop from Robert and Kirk Hammett on what this year has in store for their doodles. Then, continuing our theme of instant react...
Apr 23, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 91
The week of April 16, 2025 on The Metallica Report… Steffan has set up shop in the middle of HQ on a rehearsal day as he and Renée count down the days until Syracuse hosts Metallica for the first time in 29 years! After a surprise guest quickly crashes the pod, Steff chats with superfan Todd Styles, and Renée gets the rundown on the M72 Blood Drives from Darren Irby of the American Red Cross. Our hosts also discuss the M72 Takeover Events happening throughout the North American tour. The Metalli...
Apr 16, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 87
The week of April 9, 2025 on The Metallica Report… As the anticipation for M72 2025 builds, dedicated members of the Metallica Family chime in with their favorite Metallica moments. Martijn van Wieringen, Robert Elliot, April Mancuso, Chris Yerges, and Tory Eide each bring us to the heart of their chosen live memories accompanied by music from each respective show. And our hosts—always willing to share their unique experiences—tell us which gigs make the top of their lists as well! The Metallica...
Apr 09, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 89
The week of April 2, 2025 on The Metallica Report… Renee, Steff, and Robert Trujillo meet three of the many magnificent students from the Metallica Scholars Initiative, the marquee program funded by the band’s foundation, All Within My Hands. During a Zoom call hosted by the American Association of Community Colleges, we hear from Danira, a welding student challenging gender norms; Dryden, who swapped fast food for computer science; and Shane, an engineer finding new opportunities for growth. Ro...
Apr 02, 2025•26 min
The week of March 26, 2025 on The Metallica Report… Kirk Hammett joins to talk about his brand new book with Gibson Publishing, The Collection: Kirk Hammett, and dives into a series of stories about the guitars within its pages. From Flying Vs to Les Pauls—with plenty of other gems in between—Kirk discusses his relationship with these instruments, what they mean to him spiritually, the influences behind some of the acquisitions, and why this book might only be a chapter in his ongoing guitar-obs...
Mar 26, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 87
The week of March 19, 2025 on The Metallica Report… We explore Metallica’s collaboration with Apple to create a pioneering, 25-minute live concert film from the M72 Mexico City stop in September 2024 using immersive technology with Apple Vision Pro. Lars Ulrich, Zane Lowe, and Robert Trujillo chime in about how this technology breaks the fourth wall between the band and the fans. Then, members of the Metallica Family who experienced the free demo worldwide share their reactions after immersing t...
Mar 20, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 83
The week of March 12, 2025 on The Metallica Report… Steff and Renée chat with Metallica’s lighting director, designer, and all-around music lover, Rob Koenig. A true wealth of knowledge, he discusses his process, lighting concepts behind M72, previous tours, new lighting technology, and why rainstorms are no longer a threat for Metallica shows. Rob also details his enormous passion for music, his relationship with James, Lars, Kirk, and Robert, and why the audience is such an integral part of hi...
Mar 12, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 85
The week of March 5, 2025 on The Metallica Report… We’re back at HQ to speak with two vital members of the HQ Audio Crew and arguably the kindest people in the building: Sara Killion and Kent Matcke. Chief among Sara’s many responsibilities as producer Greg Fidelman’s trusted studio aide is charting and mapping every sound that Metallica makes while recording. Meanwhile, Kent facilitates audio and technical aspects of rehearsals while also assisting with many other HQ studio matters. Between the...
Mar 05, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 84
The week of February 26, 2025 on The Metallica Report… We pick back up with Steff and Renée, who are still immersed in Metallica’s archival vault. In this episode, they travel down a James Hetfield rabbit hole filled with original notebooks, lyrics, doodles, and more. Reveling in the energy emanating from the pages, our hosts seize the opportunity to get an intimate read on the frontman from a much younger season, noting how intentional his creative force has always been. And to his delight, Ste...
Feb 26, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 83
The week of February 19, 2025 on The Metallica Report… Led by Inveniem archivist Ally Bace, Steff and Renée enter the Metallica vault to explore physical pieces of the band’s history, including master tapes, handwritten notes, diaries, clothing, and so much more. Ally discusses her journey to becoming an archivist, the forensic process of handling the artifacts, and the emotional power these pieces hold, something Steff encounters when faced with an item that conjures an experience three decades...
Feb 19, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 82
The week of February 12, 2025 on The Metallica Report… We speak with the Metallica HQ Studio Runners—Jackson Langford, Jack Ketchum, Alex Coltharp, and Dana Lindstrom—about their tasks and duties around the building and beyond. From massive lunch runs to damaging cars and walls (with a purpose, of course) and from restringing guitars to joining the touring crew, some assignments are definitely less predictable than others. Plus, as you’ve come to know, there’s a lot of talent flowing through the...
Feb 12, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 81
The week of February 5, 2025 on The Metallica Report… Legendary music critic David Fricke details his decades-long journey with Metallica, writing some of rock journalism’s most unflinching and detailed stories about the band through the pages of Rolling Stone magazine. Beginning with their first full-assignment encounter on the Damaged Justice tour, David shares observations of Metallica’s unique fan connection and growth as the Four Horsemen ascended. David also explains how he managed to tap ...
Feb 05, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 80
The week of January 29, 2025 on The Metallica Report… Percussionist Jimmy Clark, also known in the Metallica world as Lars Ulrich’s tech, joins us to share stories of his own career, how he became friends with a mischievous young Danish drummer back in the day, his industry education in Nashville, and how he worked his way from the rafters to the stage with Metallica. Jimmy also discusses his own adherence to perfectionism and how that comes in handy while managing multiple kits on the M72 World...
Jan 29, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 79
The week of January 22, 2025 on The Metallica Report… We continue our techs-behind-the-band series with Justin Crew, Kirk Hammett’s right-hand guitar-man of 29 years. Justin recounts the genesis of his own career from Go West to AC/DC, how he landed the Metallica/Hammett gig, the terror of flatbed trucks, being on the Poor Touring Me tour, and what his work on M72 requires. Justin also discusses Greeny, the guitar famous in its own right, and his working relationship with last week’s guest and g...
Jan 22, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 78
The week of January 15, 2025 on The Metallica Report… We hear from guitar tech Chad Zaemisch. He shares what it’s like being interviewed for a job by prospective boss James Hetfield, then details his creative and technical approach to the role. He discusses how the gig has changed over the last 22 years, what working a show is like, and the importance of trust in his relationship with James. Finally, Chad recalls some memorable and satisfying moments from the last two decades. The Metallica Repo...
Jan 15, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 77
The week of January 8, 2025 on The Metallica Report… We speak with James Hetfield about his perennial and peerless lyrics. Our songwriter shares what he loves about the architecture of words, whether he sees himself as a storyteller, and his appreciation of Tom Waits. Then, we take a trip back through the So What! archives to revisit his approach to songs such as “Harvester Of Sorrow,” “Moth Into Flame,” and “ManUNkind.” Finally, he discusses the soul searching behind 72 Seasons and explains—wha...
Jan 08, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 76
The week of January 1, 2025 on The Metallica Report… As we welcome 2025, Steff and Renée had to take one last chance to appreciate the year that was with their favorite moments and guests from The Metallica Report 2024. From bird-watching to high school memories to world tour vibes, this one covers a lot of ground! So sit back and enjoy reminiscing with James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo, Brian Tatler, Les Claypool, Ron Quintana, Jeff Yeager, Dan Nykolayko, and, of course...
Jan 01, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 75
The week of December 25, 2024 on The Metallica Report… With the holiday season in full swing, we hear from Metallica’s confirmed cinephile, Lars Ulrich. Having seen 18 films at the Mill Valley Film Festival alone, he speaks about some of his favorite movies over the last few months. And for good measure, Steff has him throw in his current musical flavors, as well. Meanwhile, Robert Trujillo shares his modest New Year’s Resolution: expanding his powers of communication with the world. Happy Holid...
Dec 25, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 74
The week of December 18, 2024 on The Metallica Report… Steff and Renée bring all the details from last week’s Helping Hands Concert & Auction at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. Coverage starts during rehearsals when Lars and Robert share the band’s approach to the unique nature of this traditionally acoustic/electric show. Metallica superfan Jason Momoa takes us back to his entrée into music, his love of bass, and his admiration for All Within My Hands. Then, LA Rams Offensive Tackle Rob Hav...
Dec 18, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 73
