Jason was fantastic, but Rob ‘flows’ more, he is the conduit-river both as a person and stylistically that this band really needs in order to function, says the So What magazine editor

Harvester of Sofia returns with another interesting interview. This time we talked to So What editor Steffan Chirazi who was very kind to answers our questions. We got this interview some months ago and we are sorry to publish it so late.

Do you remember your first Metallica concert, when was it and what did you think about the band?
It was in Paris, 1984…I’d tape-traded for the demo in ’82, got ‘Kill ‘Em All’ when it came out, worked my way into a job as SOUNDS music critic when I was 17, and reviewed ‘RTL’ for SOUNDS. This was my first assignment. I’d waited a long time to see them. I’d missed the Marquee show in London due to school/studies stuff, so this was a treat. What did I think about them? LOL, as raw and energetic as I’d hoped and more besides…

Is it hard to work with an American band while you live in Europe?
Well I’ve lived in the Bay Area, around the corner from them, since 1986, so it’s been very very easy!!!!

Tell us something about your family and your interests beside music?
Two kids, one in college and rumbling along, one who’s nearly 6 and a firecracker…the mighty Bubbles, my hairy 4-legged feline therapist (half Maine Coon so wonderfully large!)…obviously the Missus…and I love soccer/Tottenham Hotspur. It’s a religion to me. I still get back to the UK a few times a year and always catch games. I still manage to play twice a week, though it is getting tougher LOL…I still love to dream that I am playing for Spurs in the Champions League Final whenever I play…

Is there something you wanted to write about Metallica but the band told you not to do it? Do they know in advance what are your plans for each volume of the magazine?
No. They are very very liberal and open, very trusting. They interact when I ask…Lars and I discuss things a fair amount, and when he does make en editorial suggestion, it is rare and on the money. James is great for creatives too, again he doesn’t stick his nose in but when asked, he has great opinions and vision.

 Have Metallica ever planned to publish an official autobiography of the band – maybe they’ll make some kind of special edition for the club – limited full of goodies like CDs, DVDs, book and an album with pictures?
Not yet. No.

You have been to lots of Metallica shows. Where are the craziest fans?
Tough one…all crowds have great great reactions and resonance, but I have to say that south of the border, Mexico City, those fans are insane, just insane!!! And then into South America I’d say the same, Argentina, Brasil…but again, it’s a loaded question because great crowds are everywhere. I mean, take the rain-sodden lunatics of Sofia as an example for The Big 4…insane! Madness! Very cool!

What type of fans does the band prefer most – those on festivals, those in halls or those on big stadiums only for Metallica gigs.
Again I don’t think it’s ‘either-or’, I think there’s great appreciation for the intimacy of small venues, the control afforded by arenas in terms of technical specs, and the vast sea of bobbing humanity at festivals. That’s what helps make them so special, they don’t have specific preferences, they enjoy it all.

Did the meet and greet sessions before each show change the band? They seem to enjoy the fans very much.
I think there is a wonderfully deep respect for the fans. There always has been. It’s why the meet and greet sessions are limited in numbers, so as they CAN spend a few quality minutes with everyone as opposed to a quick handshake with many. The fan club, for me, shows how much they appreciate the fans too, it’s a quality package not just a newsletter and a badge! And I think that yes, they do get a buzz from the meet and greets.

Which are the songs that you think Metallica should play on stage more often? What is your dream setlist?
Ha ha, I’m not going to give you my dream set-list, sorry, would take too long to sequence right now…I will say my day is always buzzed when I get a bit of ‘Metal Militia’ or ‘The Four Horsemen’ but of the stuff we don’t hear too much, I wish they’d dust off ‘Bleeding Me’ and air it more often as it is a diamond-plated epic song.

 If Metallica decide to do a tour with one of the BIG FOUR bands, which one do you prefer to be: Anthrax, Megadeth or Slayer? And why?
Come on!!!! You cannot ask that!!!! How about one show with Slayer, one with Megadeth! I think each bring very fine qualities to the bill, so for me it’s not an ‘either or’ situation. Megadeth are almost scientific, Slayer are almost carnage incarnate…

What has changed in the band as Rob came in? Do you think the fans already prefer him to Jason?
Jason was fantastic, but Rob ‘flows’ more, he is the conduit-river both as a person and stylistically that this band really needs in order to function, err, functionally. I do think Jason was unlucky with regards to when he came into the band and the circumstances, because those shoes could never be filled, in that regard what a wonderful wonderful job he did!!! But Rob is a necessary contrast.

How do you see Metallica in the near future (10 years) – less concerts and 1-2 new albums at most or nothing will change much and the band will continue roaming the planet with lots of shows each year.
I have said for the last 15 years that no other band in the world could be the Grateful Dead other than Metallica, in terms of schedules and releases. They can do what they want. Thus I envisage more ‘seasonal’ touring, less ‘grind’ touring, more frequent tours but smaller and releases? Who knows. It’ll be interesting to see…

Which are the Metclub chapters you are familiar with? Do you get lots of e-mails from fans and what they mostly ask you?
Mostly people are extraordinarily nice! i get very very few complaints at all. I try to stay in the background as I am not important in the scheme of things around here, so I do like to chat with clubbers but am always happier talking about football, family, cats, tiger, politics, just life. We are all the same people. I get uncomfortable talking about the band and what I do with people, I should probably be a little more open in all fairness, but its just not always very comfortable. Anyone coming up to me and talking about Gareth Bale, Rafa Van Der Vaart, Spurs, will get a 30 minute verbal barrage and the happiest man alive LOL!!! By the way, can Sofia members tell me why Berba left Spurs? If he’d held his nerve and invested faith in us, right now we would win the title. Imagine, Bale, Lennon, Luka Modric, Rafa, Berba, oh my God that’d be heaven on earth. I still miss him at Spurs, what a player, what a talent…

Harvester of Sofia: Stefan, Berbatov doesn’t look at Tottenham as the way you do. He is a professional soccer player who is seeking to earn as much as money as possible and to play in a better club as possible. That’s why it was normal for him to chose Manchester United. He thinks United are far more bigger club. At “Old Trafford” he won the championship and became a top goalscorer which may be would not have happened with the Spurs. What you would love to hear is that Tottenham has lots of new fans in Bulgaria since Berba played there. Dimitar scored some spectacular goals for the Spurs (enjoy the video below)   

What do you think about Harvester of Sofia’s idea of doing some interviews with the chapterheads and some of the craziest fans in the world? Right now how do you prefer to give us this interview: as a fan or as the editor of SO WHAT?
I think the idea is great, as for the second part I really don’t know…I just answer the questions as I find them, so I suppose ‘as a normal person’ ?!!

Tell us which one are the biggest bands in the world right now for you? Not only metal, at all? And please tell us what you think about every one of them?
Biggest or favorites? I’ll say favorites…
I like a bit of Goatwhore, very very good cardio-vascular workout music a few times a week…Slayer, for obvious reasons, Underworld – the electronic band, just sublime, a wonderful immersive sound, I love drum ‘n’ bass so all sorts there, Goldie’s always good, love DJ Storm (of Kemistry – RIP- & Storm fame), Total Science, Doc Scott, a lot of the dark d’n'b…I like Deadmau5 for an escape, David Bowie remains an exceptional artist and perennial favorite, The Stranglers and The Damned (old)…Motörhead are very very special in my life, a part of it in a way I cannot explain here, needless to say Lemmy and I have known each other for 29 years…so much music and so little time. This list could go on and on and on…

Would you say something special to the members of HOS?
Bulgaria is a beautiful place, I really like the Bulgarian people (I play football locally with two Bulgarians – great blokes) and the fanaticism and passion of Bulgarians and Sofians is really really empowering. KEEP IT GOING!!!!!!!!!! AND THANK YOU!!! Oh, and convince Berba he must return to Spurs!!!!!!

Interviewed by: ASSYA MERSIMOVA

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My first show of the band was in my meditation room, recalls Torben Ulrich

After talking to Roberto Trujillo’s wife Chloe, now Harvester of Sofia is proud to present you the interview we made with Lars’ father – Torben Ulrich. He is 84 years old, but still he is very active, working on several projects. He is married to Molly Martin. Lars’ mother – Lone Ulrich, passed away in 1998.
Hello Mr. Ulrich, I hope we find you in a good mood. We are the Bulgarian local chapter Harvester of Sofia and we will ask you some questions.
Yes, it’s a great day in Northern California, very warm, in spite of November. Molly and I are planning to take a walk and later on have dinner with Lars and friends.

We  all  know about your son Lars, could you tell us more about you and your family – what do you do now, do you have other children, what is the name of your wife, what do you do in your spare time (besides pulling Lars’s ears)?
“What do you do now?” Working on a book, working on a film that’s close to being finished, working on a prose poem for a Danish literary magazine, working on a dance project that is a continuation of something we did this summer, working on a music project with a Danish pianist friend, a third CD in that line. Molly says you can see more about some of those on www.torbenulrich.com.
“Do you have other children?” Not that I know of.
“What is the name of your wife?” Molly Martin.
“What do you do in your spare time?” Have no spare time, sorry.

METALLICA!!! What did you think when you first heard that name? And how did it fell when you said It out loud for the first time?
When I first saw it on the list of quite a few, I thought it was quite useful. When I said it out loud, I thought it sounded quite useful.
I guess the first Metallica song you have heard was Hit the Lights, what did you think about it, was It just a noise for you compared to the modern rock bands of that time?
Hit the Lights was not the first song that I heard, but I thought it was very catchy. No, it was not just a noise; I thought it was right in there, continuing the history of things happening in that field. Although, of course, I was more directly involved in the jazz field, in any case I was trying to be open to whatever was going on in the various fields around that particular music, not only in terms of traditional classical music in a Western sense, but also Indian music, Slavic music, music of the Middle East, etc., so that I was trying to listen to the metal field and the rock things in that context, but also obviously being Lars’ father I was trying to be particularly aware of the music taking place around him.

Do you remember the first Metallica show you attended?
Yes, that would have been in my meditation room, where the band was practicing several times a week. More officially, outside of that, I remember it quite clearly, although I do not at the moment recall the name of the place. But it was at the time we were living in Newport Beach, and this was somewhere in the greater Los Angeles area, I think, probably their first.

Are you happy that your son chose the drum sticks to the tennis racket?
Yes.

Several people who know the band from their first years already said that they never believed that Metallica would become so big. However, you were pretty close to them, so when did you start to think that they will become one of the greatest bands in history not only of rock but music in general?
No, I couldn’t tell. Also, my experience has been that you cannot translate qualitative terms into quantitatives, meaning record sales, spread of fame, etc., particularly in shorter terms.

We all know that Metallica took many controversial decisions in terms of their fans. I personally think that a band should do what they want to do, not what the fans expect from them. However, is there anything you would like to change if you could.
No. That could never be my role, maybe, as a father, etc. Of course if Lars would ask, I would respond to the best of my ability. Sometimes we have this joke going where he asks if I thought Sad But True was slow enough for my taste. Most of the time, I say, not quite.

Besides Metallica, are there any other metal bands you listen to, and if so, which ones?
Trying to listen to as many as possible and, over time, you could say that there are probably too many to list here, sorry.

We know that you were in Fillmore because a friend from Bulgaria saw you on the balcony with Lars; you attend the most important Metallica events.
Yes, we were at the Fillmore every night and really enjoyed it. Molly and I try to be at as many as possible, particularly of course if Lars thinks that we should be there, which he sometimes does. For instance, we were in Atlantic City in the summer when the band had their first festival of their own, and Lars had his own tent where we were both showing a film that we had done together, and making a commentary on it. Later in the summer we were in Vancouver, since Lars had thought that we should see the technologies and the ways of putting together that this 3D film that’s coming out next year.

Were you in Sofia for the Big Four show?
No, unfortunately; we would have loved to go, to be there, and see the city and meet up with you. Hopefully next time, soon.

Are you close with the other guys from the band? Do you go for family vacations together?
I think so. Maybe they don’t. But we’ve always had a very nice relationship with all of them, way back to Cliff Burton, and even earlier, with Dave Mustaine, that time. Also saw recently a very early member of those early guys playing together, a wonderful guitar player that you may not have heard of, called Lloyd Grant.

Something that Torben Ulrich is known is his beard – tell us how long you let your beard grow?
Yeah, it’s been there since Lars was very, very young – nonstop.

The dream of everyone in the Harvester of Sofia is to do an interview with Lars? How do you think, is that even possible?
With a certain patience and persistence, it’s always possible. That at least has been my experience when in my young days I was chasing jazz musicians, trying to have a word or two.

What do you know about Bulgaria, are you familiar with Harvester of Sofia or you ignore the fans during concerts?
Fans are never to be ignored during concerts, and why should they? And even if you were trying, you couldn’t, because at all times when you’re a musician, to a lesser or larger degree, whatever happens around you will influence what comes out in the music.

Say something to the members of the Harvester of Sofia?
Wishing everyone and all, all the best, and if possible be open to all kinds of music. Thank you, I wish you all the best and we wish you that one of your grandchildren become even more famous and successful musician or artist than Lars!

Lars and Harvester of Sofia members

Interviewed by ASSYA MERSIMOVA

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I’ve seen probably more than hundreds of Metallica shows, but I still get the goose bumps when they play, says Rob’s wife

Robert Trujillo’s wife Chloe is one of his best inspirations since he became a part of Metallica. Here is what she said in interview for the Bulgarian local chapter Harvester of Sofia:

2013 will be 10 years since you joined the Metallica family. How this has reflected  your lives?
Well it’s been an awesome journey so far! During that time we also had 2 children and got married, so a lot has happened for us both personally as well. With Metallica, it’s been such a great experience you know, and for me, I must say as I witness how much work there is behind all of this “machine” that is Metallica, it is a serious inspiration!

You’re a very versatile artist – you’re a musician, a painter and you make handmade scarves. What are the factors that inspire you to create?
I was born having all this extra creativity wanting to express itself…when I was taking care of my children when they were babies for example, and didn’t have much time to create, I was waking up in the morning with anxiety knots in my stomach…really bad. I would go crazy I think if I couldn’t let my creativity flow…I take everything as a source of inspiration, but it comes mostly from within, or let’s call it the “Source”, because that is where it all generates from, the All-knowing Source accessible through quiet inner quest…it’s unlimited

Your music is a lot different than your husbands’. Have you ever wanted to make a project with him, or let’s say to participate in Metallica song?
Our first song together was the recording of “the Torture never stops” a Frank Zappa cover, I invited Robert to play the bass on it, and it was wonderful to work together!! He played some bass on 2 songs of my upcoming album, and that was exciting too!! I would love to collaborate with him when the time comes of course!!And of course participate in a Metallica song would be the bestest of the bestest…like my daughter would say, but I’m not sure they really need me? Ha ha!! Who knows?

Do you like to be at the band’s concerts? What do you think of the atmosphere and the crowd?
I love being at the Metallica concert!!!It’s such great energy!!! There is such a chemistry between everybody, and I’m talking about the band member, the crew and the audience…everyone is part of it!!  It’s so uplifting and even if I’ve seen probably more than hundreds of shows, I still get the goose bumps when they play you know? It’s amazing!

What are your relations with the wives of the rest of the guys? Do your children get along with the other kids?
Oh yes, like I said it’s like a big family!!Especially in the summer, when the kids are out of school, we all get together and play!! Really, it’s funny how the backstage area turns into a big play ground! Toys, games, kids cartoons, splash pool, all of that. And yes, I also get together with the wives, we hike, we have food together, meet on vacation, etc…

Are you often stopped by fans when you walk on streets? Is it annoying or you like the love of the fans? Do you have some remembering story with fans?
Yes we get stopped of course. I have a funny story , one time Robert and I were having a romantic dinner together and this one fan came up to him and talked his ear off for about 25 minutes meanwhile I had his booty in my face…literally…not so pleasant…But usually fans are respectful. It’s funny, now I get my fans too sometimes and I tell you, it is a great feeling when you touch people on such a deep level!!! So without the fans we wouldn’t be here!! Fans are awesome!! When someone is fan of your art, music or any creation of yours, it just fills your heart you know ? It just makes all your efforts feel worthy!! It’s the best reward of all knowing that somebody “gets” what you are doing. And aren’t we all fans of something or someone anyway?

Do you remember the first time you met Rob? Was it love at first sight or the feelings came afterwards?
I met Robert in 1991 you know and we were friends for about 13 years before anything intimate happened between us…And it all happened naturally, that’s the best part! Maybe it’s the secret for long lasting relationships? I don’t know, but I have some pictures from the 90’s of us dancing and drinking together, fond memories and had no clue back then he was going to be my husband and the father of my children…Life is amazing!

When two people are together they’re influenced by each other. How did Rob’s presence reflected to your artwork? What kind of things were you painting before you met him for example?
I feel that my art has evolved over the years, I did a lot of work on myself and also learned to listen carefully at this inner voice of mine, so of course Robert being part of my life is an influence, but I stay true to myself at the same time. He inspires me to be the best I can be and I try to do be that same inspiration for him, we both work hard and exchange ideas and opinions. Most of all, Robert is teaching me to enjoy life ! I tend to take things too seriously….

What is your favorite food? How’s the cooking at home?
We eat very healthy at home, once in a while I will prepare a full dinner with tons of different dishes, but my specialties are the dressings and sauces- salads, roasted or sautéed veggies, homemade pizza, croissants in the morning…Robert’s specialty is making sandwiches!!!And tortillas!! Believe me , he’s good!!

Do know the length of yours and Rob’s hair together?
Ha I don’t know…probably around 220 cm or something? Just guessing…

We know you and Rob are water sport fans, what kind of winter sports do you like?
Snowboarding for sure!! And more skiing for me unless there’s powder. We also take the kids ice-skating, that’s tons of fun!
Otherwise I dance and we both do yoga a lot.

You are originally from Paris, does this fact reflects to the decision where to live? Where do you currently live?
We live in Los Angeles. Robert’s birth place. Coming from Paris, this is such a change of pace, from a high energetic city to a more mellow one. Not saying that people don’t work hard here, I know I do… but it sure helps to have the sun shining almost every day!!!When I remember getting up in the freezing-foggy-dark morning to catch the train to go to school or work facing an unhappy-depressed, aggressive and rushing crowd , I surely don’t miss that part. You learn to build a wall of protection around yourself. I miss the culture and the history of Europe though, being constantly exposed to art, architecture and ideas , it’s part of who I am too…but I am lucky enough to go back at least once a year for work/holidays and take the kids along. They are both fluent in French and Spanish, and English of course, so it’s important they keep it up!

Do your kids show any artistic talents? Are you going to guide them to pursue a carrier as artists or you’re going to let them choose their own path?
Our daughter is an amazing artist!!!You would not believe!! Even all her teachers are blown away by her talent! She will get up in the morning and before anything else she sits and draws until she has to get ready for school. She can draw for hours and hours…she’s only 6! And our boy is 8 , he is an amazing musician, he plays bass of course, he writes songs and he is the youngest member of the school’s rock band! He also plays amazing drums ( every morning at hum 7…)And guitar!! He has incredible timing-he’s been playing since he was 2.
We let them be who they want to be, we are not forcing anything, as long as they learn their reading and writing and math…

How do you prepare for Christmas? Do you have any special traditions? What presents do you want from Santa for this year?
We usually have a big family dinner, 20-30 of us, we enjoy this moment together , exchange presents as a sign of gratitude and dance.

What are your plans (artistic wise) for the close future?
Wow, I’ve been painting a lot of surfboards, so would love to organize a touring show to exhibit/sell these. I am also about to release my album, looking forward to perform again!! And of course my fashion line, after the scarves, creating bags and maybe clothing …It’ll all be announced on my websites www.chloeinart.com and www.chloetrujillo.com as well as on my Chloe Trujillo Art facebook page!! Come join me there!!

In 2010 you were accompanying Rob to the show in Sofia, was this your first time in our country? Do you know anything about Bulgaria? Would you say something special to the members of HOS?
Yes!!! I wish we had stayed longer to visit!! I would have loved to visit the Cathedral and the Museum…Next time for sure! Maybe you can take me??The crowd was awesome during the show, the people I talked too were all so nice! I have many Bulgarian friends who live here in the US telling me about their country…The Metallica schedule is so tight, that sometimes it’s just going to the venue, meet and greet, press and play the show, fly right after to the next city…
HOS members keep on rockin’!!!! I saw you guys out there during the show!!! Crazy!! Sending you much love from LA!! XX Chloe

Rob and Harvester of Sofia members

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The famous photographer from the early Metallica days reveals his memories in an interview for Harvester of Sofia
     It is a great honor for Harvester of Sofia to meet you with Bill Hale. He is the renown metal photographer Bill Hale during the band’s formative years in the Bay Area club circuit between 1982 and 1984. As chief photographer of Metal Rendezvous International, a groundbreaking heavy rock magazine that was published throughout the ’80s, Bill Hale was given unlimited access to hang out with and photograph this then-fledgling metal band. His job at the time was to capture the band onstage and offstage and provide the magazine with unique photographs of the band showcasing their brazen live energy in concert to unveiling some of their crazy and unpredictable backstage antics. Bill Hale was right there from the very beginning, capturing the band before, during and after their performances. He was at every one of their early Bay Area shows, without the safety of a photo pit, crushed among the savage crowd as they head-banged fearlessly to the music of their local heroes.

In 2009 Hale released his book “Metallica: The Club Dayz 1982-1984″. It contains rare and exclusive photographs from six of the band’s earliest performances including their first shows in San Francisco at The Stone and The Old Waldorf which featured the original lineup with Dave Mustaine (guitar) and Ron McGovney (bass), Cliff Burton’s introductory gig with the band at The Stone, the last Metallica show with Dave Mustaine in San Francisco, and Kirk Hammett’s Metallica debut in the Bay area. Most of the photos in this book have never been published and many of the images have never before been revealed to the public.

1)     What was the first Metallica song you heard and when? What did you think?
HA… That was “Hit the Lights” and it was over the phone… Lars had called and said something like check this out… They were still in Ron’s house!!!
Totally raw and I think they had to stop because one of Lars’ cymbals came loose and fell off its stand!!!

2)     Do you remember your first time when you saw the band live and hоw was concert?
Yes that would be the 1st time Metallica had gigged in San Francisco at the Stone… September, 18th 1982…

3)     Have you ever thought in 82-84, that Metallica will become one of the most influential bands in the history of rock music?
I knew that they would make it big… How big only time would tell…

4)     Do you still keep in touch with the boys from the band?
I have not seem them in about ten years or so… But I do hear from them through our mutual buddies. Kirk live here in Honolulu, we have some of the same pals but our schedules are very different. I always get emails from friends saying that Lars said “Hi” or James said “Hey”…. I still keep up with Mustaine… Dave wrote the foreword for my next photo book on Megadeth!

5)     Do you keep anything valuable from those first concerts – flayer, poster,Lars’s sticks, underwear …?
Yes… somewhere I have lars’ drum sticks…. He use to use Tennis grip tape on his stick, you know the green kind… And have flyers and autographs from them with Ron and Dave…

6)     Do you think that rock and metal word would be so popular nowadays without the appearance of Metallica? Would the heavy music ever become mainstream without them?
Yes I do… Hard Rock and Heavy Metal was big before Metallica and if there was not any Metallica some other band would have filled the void… But the more important question should be if Lars had never seen Deep Purple when he was ten would he have still wanted to change from Tennis to the Drums?!?!?

7)     What the band owes its huge success over the years. The talent of the musicians, the sense of music, Lars’s management or something else?
Yes Metallica’s success is two fold… Yes Lars had a vision and a game plan but the band owes a lot to its fans and that’s where Metallica is great. Cliff was the one who really started this. He knew that the fans were everything!!! James at a young age had some bad experiences with some BIG ROCK STAR fan club that never wrote back… So the band knows without you, the fans. the band would be nothing… CHEERS!!!

8)     What is Metallica personally for you? Did Metallica change your life in some way?
Hum… Metallica was one part of the Bay Area scene back then… We all had a blast, you know, living  the “Metal Dream”..
The day that Cliff died, that all changed… We all grew up a bit… We all had to face our own mortality… That life wasn’t all fun and games..

9)     Do you know something about Bulgaria? Would you say something special to the members of HOS?
Don’t know much about your country.. BUT on June 22nd, 2010 Heavy Metal history was made in Sofia!!!
I had wished to be there to see Dave jam with James and Lars after all these years!!! That was my Metallica… Lars, Dave, Cliff and James!!!

Cheers, your blog is top notch and all the best with it!
Keep it Heavy ~ Make it Metal
Bill

Interview by: ASSSETO

Photos included:
1. Bill Hale promo photo for the Club Dayz book (photo © by Hanna Wilson)

2. Metallica group shot with Ron McGovney at The Old Waldorf, Oct. 18th, 1982

3. Dave and Kirk… This was the only photo with these two until The Big Four shows!!!

4. Cliff and Dave from Cliff’s 1st show with Metallica (3-5-83)

5. The cover to Metallica: The Club Dayz… (ECW Press)

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The famous heavy metal promoter and DJ talks to the official Bulgarian Metclub chapter

Ron Quintana is a famous for thinking out the name “Metallica”. In 1981 he asks his friend Lars Ulrich what would be the best title for his new heavy metal fanzine – “Metal Mania” or “Metallica”. Ulrich suggests the first one as the better only because he likes more the second and wants to keep it as a name for his new band. Here is what Ron said in an interview for  Harvester of Sofia:

What was the first Metallica song you heard and when? What did you think?
I played the hell out of the Metal Massacre LP with them on it and loved it

Do you remember your first time when you saw the band live and hоw was concert?
They were a lot of fun

Have you ever thought in 82-84, that Metallica will become one of the most influential bands in the history of rock music?
no, even up to ’86 we thought they might only be a local band

Do you still keep in touch with the boys from the band?
I talk to each of them every year

Do you keep anything valuable from those first concerts – flayer, poster,Lars’s sticks, underwear …?
I Keep everything especially those early flyers, but sold Yong Metal attack shirt for rent once

Do you think that rock and metal word would be so popular nowadays without the appearance of Metallica?
i dont know…

What the band owes its huge success over the years. The talent of the musicians, the sense of music, Lars’s management or something else?
LUCK LUCK LUCK

What is Metallica personally for you? Did Metallica change your life in some way?
They’re friends I was proud to help because they really were good guys before Napster crap…

Do you know something about Bulgaria?
I always wondered what Bulgaria was like as I love history, but in 1982 Americans like me only traveled as far east as Greece and Italy and Austria, I wanted to visit Romania and Bulgaria and other Eastern countries…maybe next time Im over there I make it to Sofia! Or Transylvania! or…..

ASSSETO

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An iconic figure that was present at the first concert of the band in an interview for Harvester of Sofia

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The man, who gave the band it’s first break 29 years ago

As Metallica celebrates it’s 30th anniversary the Bulgarian chapter Harvester of Sofia decided to contact some of the most famous people, who followed the band from it’s early days till now.

It is a great honor for us to introduce our first guest Brian Slagel – the owner and founder of Metal Blade Records. Slagel is known for giving Metallica their first break in 1982, with an appearance on Metal Massacre, a compilation album on Metal Blade.

What was the first Metallica song you heard and when? What did you think?
It was Hit The Lights when they delivered it for the first Metal Massacre album. It was much better than what I thought they might do

Do you remember your first time when you saw the band live and hоw was concert?
Yes, they opened for Saxon at the Whisky in LA in 1982. It was their 2nd gig ever. James only sang and did not play guitar. They mostly played Diamond Head covers.

Have you ever thought in 82-84, that Metallica will become one of the most influential bands in the history of rock music?
None of us ever thought anything like this would ever happen.

Do you still keep in touch with the boys from the band?
Yes I see them quite often. I have always been good friends with all of them. Just hung out with them at the Big 4 in NYC. Great guys and good friends.

Do you keep anything valuable from those first concerts – flayer, poster, Lars’s sticks, underwear …?
Ha-ha, no sticks, but I do have some flyers and the original demo…

Do you think that rock and metal word would be so popular nowadays without the appearance of Metallica? They certainly have had a major influence on metal for sure. Would the heavy music ever become mainstream without them?
Hard to say, but I think they were the perfect band to blend heavy and mainstream. A major influence on metal for sure

What the band owes its huge success over the years. The talent of the musicians, the sense of music, Lars’s management or something else?
I think all of that has helped them

What is Metallica personally for you? Did Metallica change your life in some way?
Certainly being around in the early days and my connection to them has helped legitimize myself and Metal Blade. Also the great friendship with them as well.

Do you know something about Bulgaria? Would you say something special to the members of HOS?
I have never been there, but want to go someday. Thanks to everyone for supporting Metal and keep it up!!

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The highest compliment to me from James is to have his respect for me and my art like i do for him and his

The Bulgarian Metclub chapter Harvester of Sofia has the pleasure to meet you with Justin Hunt. He is an American filmmaker and became popular among Metallica fans with the film „Absent” in which James shares the story about his father who left the family when Hetfield was only 13 years old. The documentary movie examines the need for an emotional bond that children without fathers often experience. Justin Hunt was negotiating with possible narrators when his big break came via an e-mail. “I was driving on the freeway I almost crashed,” Hunt said. The e-mail was from METALLICA. Hetfield wanted to be involved with the project.

We contacted Justin for an interview:

Do you remember your first Metallica show and what impression the band left in you after that?
My first show was in 1999 at the blockbuster pavilion in Phoenix, Arizona (USA). i drove 9 hours to get there from las cruces, new mexico. jerry cantrell and days of the new opened for them. i was blown away. all i’d heard up to that point were tapes and cds, and this was real and in front of me. i could feel jason’s bass in my chest. it was amazing and unlike any other experience in my life, up to that point.

Have you ever thought that after more that 30 years Metallica will be one of the biggest bands in the music scene ever and that they will go beyond every boundary of the heavy metal music?
having studied, for the past 20 years, their professionalism, drive, management of self and business, marketing tactics and sheer aggression at taking control of their situation, as opposed to reacting to it, it doesn’t surprise me in the least that they are where they are.

Which are the songs that you think Metallica should play on stage more often? What is your dream setlist?
i think it’s important to mix up the set lists. so, i don’t have a ‘play more’ wish list. i am, however, a fan of a few of the classic concert favorites: bellz, one, creeping death, harvester, etc. if there is a track or two i’d personally like to see in concert that i haven’t yet, i’d say fixxxer, outlaw torn, bleeding me.

What has changed in the band as Rob came in? Do you think the fans already prefer him to Jason?
no comment on that one. i wouldn’t speculate or presume to speak for the fans on who they like better. they’re both amazing musicians. personally, i always had a liking for jason and his attitude, from the fan’s perspective. it did my heart good to see him onstage with them at the hall of fame induction.

How do you see Metallica in the near future (10 years) – less concerts and 1-2 new albums at most or nothing will change much and the band will continue roaming the planet with lots of shows each year.
i think metallica will continue to do what they’re best at doing, playing music for their friends, until they feel that they’re not doing it at their highest level. that’s how they operate, at the top. if ever they don’t feel it’s their best, then they’ll more than likely make what they feel is the best decision for the band and the hundreds of millions that love them.

What is Metallica personally for you? Did Metallica change your life in some way?
metallica is, and has been, my best friend for the past 25 years. they mean the world to me. they completely changed my life and how i approach it. actually, i wouldn’t say they changed it. they shaped it.

Did anything changed now after you and James are friends? Is there a difference between James Hetfield from Metallica and James the person?
our friendship is something that i have the deepest respect for. i think so many people are used to, and need, james hetfield of metallica that they lose sight of the fact that james hetfield is also a human being, just like you and i. is there a difference between the two? not much. what you see onstage now is the same james hetfield that makes faces at and jokes with my two children or that i discuss issues we face in life as men with. he’s utterly authentic as a person, and just happens to be one of the greatest guitarists and front men of all time. the highest compliment to me is to have his respect for me and my art like i do for him and his.

You made some screenings across USA. Do you have plans doing this in Europе?
i’d like to do some screenings in europe, for sure. i really just need to create a grassroots effort there and get the support of people like you to help get those things in motion. i’m doing all of the booking myself, so if anyone wants to do a screening they need just reach out and spark the conversation.

Have you ever expected that your movies will have such a huge impact for the people? And have you ever thought that you will make great successes with both of them?
i’d hoped they would, but i never expected it to be at this level. i don’t really make the films with the intent of reaching a certain number of people or affecting one particular group. i just make them because i feel they need to be made, and let God take it over from there.

Tell us more about you future plans?
professionally, i’m just hoping to keep going with these movies and making a difference in this world. i’m shooting my third film now and have ideas for more. i’d also like to direct a feature film soon. one goal i do have is to expand beyond the u.s. and really start causing an impact in other parts of the world on a larger scale.

Don’t laugh a lot now… If you ever make a movie for bullterriers will you call Kerrie King’s father? (Random question from one of our members)
i’ll mull over the bull terriers concepts and make SURE i call kerrie king’s father, should i move forward on that.

Do you know something for Bulgaria?
i don’t know as much about bulgaria as i’d like to. one thing i have been told is that the women there are beautiful, which, as a single guy, makes me want to visit. we should definitely do a screening there! ha ha.

Would you say something special to the members of HOS?
for the harvester of sofia chapter: i can tell you from personal experience that are you supporting not only the greatest heavy metal band of all time, but some of the most amazing men i’ve ever met. the music of metallica comes from within these men, not from the standpoint of ‘what would be commercially successful?’ in essence, you are not ‘fans’ of the music, you are literally friends of metallica who are sharing in their experiences here on this planet. they know who you are and they appreciate you and love you. i’ve been to HQ and have seen the banners hanging from the walls. you mean as much to them as they to you. don’t ever forget that. it’s that mutual love and respect that makes it worth every ticket you’ve ever bought, every line you’ve ever stood in, every shirt you’ve ever worn. and i’m honored, as a friend of metallica myself, to be invited into your chapter to share a few of my experiences. after all, isn’t that what being a metallica fan is all about?

much love from the states…justin

ASSSETO

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Almost all fans of the band are crazy, says metallitaz from Colorado

Here is the final one of the interviews we made with popular Metallica fans from all over the world for the past 2 years. We talked to Tod Struthers from Colorado, USA

HoS: What is your name (nickname) and position at your local chapter?
-Tod Struthers and my PPM name is metallitaz. I am the Chapter Head of Welcome Home (Colorado).

HoS: When was the first time you have heard Metallica and which song? Your favourite album or song? And explain why?
-I am not sure when I first heard Metallica – probably the mid 80s. My favorite album and song is Master of Puppets because it has all the elements in one song – the heavy parts, the fast parts, the slower melodic middle part.

HoS: When and where you have seen Metallica Live? Which one is your personal favorite? And how many concerts you want to see in the future?
-I have seen Metallica around 30 times. My favorite was the show in Park City Utah in 2006 because it was such a small club to see them in!

HoS: Where are the craziest Metallica fans you’ve ever met?
-The craziest fans I have ever met – hmmm… almost all of them are crazy!

HoS: Would you take the offer to work for Metallica if they ask you to?
-I would work for Metallica except it would hard to be away from my wife and my kids for so long!

HoS: If it was up to you what would you change in the live performance of Metallica?
-I would like Metallica to play all the unusual songs they never play like Trapped Under Ice, Dyers Eve, Orion, etc.

HoS: If I have never been at a metallica show how you will convince me to go?
-I would tell you how incredible their live show is and how it’s the best concert you could ever go to!

HoS: When did you join the MetClub and when was born the idea for the local chapter?
-I joined Metclub in 1999 and I wanted to start a local chapter after goign to many cities around the US that had so many Metallica members in their chapters and wanted to get together with Metallica fans at home in Colorado! Our purpose is to have fun celebrating Metallica’s music together! I give out Metalluca prizes to those who come to chapter events and also have chapter contests!

HoS: Do you know something for Bulgaria? Would you say something special to the members of HOS?
-I do not anythign about Bulgaria except where it is on a map! I have a friend from Romania which is very beautiful, so I am sure that Bulgaria is beautiful too! I know they have beautiful people!

ASSSETO

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I love the people who have a passion and Metallica is a beautiful passion

Dear friends, we spoke to Pascal from no more existing French chapter Metal Monster.

HOS: What is your name (nickname), where are you from and position it your local chapter?
My nickname is Skullface and I was the Head Chapter of the local chapter Metal Monster.

HOS: When was the first time you have heard Metallica and which song?
The very first time it was at home and It was Battery when I bought Master Of Puppets album.

HOS: Your favorite album or song? And explain why?
I’ve got plenty favorites songs…my top three…Creeping Death, Whiplash and I love Bleeding Me because the riff of James in the middle of the song It’s one of the better riff of the Almighty… The Riff!!!

HOS: What is Metallica personally for you? Did Metallica change your life in some way?
Metallica had changed my life when it burst into it after the death of my brother in 1986. Metallica is in me.

HOS: What is the most insane thing you have ever done inspired by Metallica?
Tattoo??? Yes tattoo because it’s for the rest of your life and all my projects too.

HOS: When and where you have seen Metallica Live? Which one is your personal favorite? And how many concerts you want to see in the future?
I’ve seen Metallica live for the first time at Bercy in November 10th 1992 at Bercy Paris in the snake pit.
Vincennes 1993
Paris Bercy 1996 (2)
Belgium Pukkelpop Festival 1997
England Reading Festival 1997
Nulle Par Ailleurs TV show Paris 1997
Elysée Montmartre Paris 1997
Paris Bercy 1999
Eurockeeennes de Belfort 1999
Berlin symphonique 1999
Chicago 2000
Paris 3 shows in one day 2003
Paris Bercy 2003
Italia Bologne 2003
Paris Parc des Princes 2004
Germany Rock Am Ring 2006
Germany Rock In Park 2006
Spanish Bilbao 2007
Tchecoslovaquia 2008
Taratata FrenchTV Show audience + Soudcheck just behind the kit of Lars 2008
Paris Bercy 2009 (2)
Lyon May 23 2010
Zurich June 18 2010

HOS: Where are the craziest Metallica fans you’ve ever met?
All the Metallica fans are crazy!!!

HOS: Have you ever met some of the guys in person and what was the first thing in you mind when you saw them?
I have the chance to met them several times and each time I told to my mind ｫUs Metallica fans we are very lucky!!!ｻ Metallica it’s a big family !

HOS: Would you take the offer to work for Metallica if they ask you to?
When I saw Metallica at Taratata tv show in 2009 I worked for the group during all the day. It was very cool and a great experience but only one time. It’s not my place behind the stage…my place is in the audience with the other fuckin’ crazy fans!

HOS: You must explain what is Metallica to your 5 year old kid, how will you do that?
When I went to the show at Bercy with my son in April 2009 a big deal happened at the end of the show just before seek and destroy. James asked to light the arena as each night and just before Seek and Destroy he asked to my son his age!!! Him like me we were panic and we didn’t answer to James! I’ve got the photos of this moment! When I have the chance to met them at Nimes in July 7 2009 I explain this moment to the members and asked them to write a word for my son. He practice guitar and I took a photo of him with his guitar and James wrote to my son ｫDear Marvin, keep playing, I’ll see you on stage!!!ｻ My son is 8 years old and he has a word from each member of Metallica above his bed !!!

HOS: When did you join the MetClub and when was born the idea for the local chapter?
I joined the fan-club in April 25 1993 and my number is 3091. The idea to create my own local chapter was born in 2005. But I decided to stop it more than a year ago and it didn’t exist anymore but the webzine continued.

HOS:  What is the main purpose of your local chapter?
The webzine is original and very complete I think we were the only in the world to purpose a magazine with 52 color pages.

HOS: Do you know something for Bulgaria? Would you say something special to the members of HOS?
Yes I know the local chapter of Bulgaria and congratulations for your work. I know what it is to work in a local chapter and it’s not easy to enjoy every fans. I love the people who have a passion and Metallica is a beautiful passion.
Hey members of HOS keep support your local chapter and maybe see ya soon on the road…metal up your ass!!!

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