Before Metallica had bassist Cliff Burton, they had Ron McGovney. McGovney joined Metallica in 1982 and recorded a handful of demos with the band before leaving that same year. Then guitarist Dave Mustaine would leave in 1983 to be replaced by Kirk Hammett, and the classic era of Metallica would be born.
But even before Metallica, there was Leather Charm. with both McGovney and Metallica guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield.
In a series of recent tweets, McGovney recounts playing in Leather Charm with Hetfield. Leather Charm was active in 1981. McGovney said Leather Charm covered bands like Iron Maiden, Scorpions, and Quiet Riot, and sounded like an English glam band called Girl.
Metallica fans have asked me what James's band Leather Charm sounded like. We played covers by Maiden , Scorpions , and Quiet Riot. This band called Girl was the closest to what we sounded like. Phil Collen [of Def Leppard] on guitar. We played this song. Hollywood Tease.
Metallica fans have asked me what James's band Leather Charm sounded like. We played covers by Maiden , Scorpions , and Quiet Riot. This band called Girl was the closest to what we sounded like. Phil Collen on guitar. We played this song. Hollywood Tease. https://t.co/xl0F850284
— Ron McGovney (@RonMcGovney) February 8, 2020
McGovney also shared a photo of very early Metallica when both he and Hetfield still had their Leather Charm stage gear.
James and I are wearing our Leather Charm gear in this early Metallica photo. We played Maiden's Remember Tomorrow and Wrathchild. Quiet Riot's Slick Black Cadillac. Scorpion's Pictured Life. Originals…Hit the Lights , Handsome Ransom , Let's Go Rock and Roll.
James and I are wearing our Leather Charm gear in this early Metallica photo. We played Maiden's Remember Tomorrow and Wrathchild. Quiet Riot's Slick Black Cadillac. Scorpion's Pictured Life. Originals…Hit the Lights , Handsome Ransom , Let's Go Rock and Roll. pic.twitter.com/IJkUnGWcCV
— Ron McGovney (@RonMcGovney) February 8, 2020
Now if we could just get some live footage of Leather Charm…
