Metallica, like the rest of us, aren't getting any younger. Everyone in Metallica is either on the precipice of turning 60 years old or is currently 60, and the band's music isn't getting any less demanding.
In an interview with Revolver, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich said the band hasn't talked much about when the end of the road might be, but realizes that there's going to be a day when a song like "Master Of Puppets" is out of the question. Much like his recent comments about reading what people think on the Internet, Ulrich has a sense of humor about the whole thing.
"It's not something we've talked a lot about, no," he said. "I think most of the energy and the resources go into trying to stay healthy, stay cohesive, stay functioning. As I get older, I spend more and more of my time on my daily workouts, on my cardio, on my strength training. I'm chained to my Peloton hours a day. It's all about trying to stay healthy: eating healthy, living healthy, whatever it is each of us need to bring to the table.
"Obviously, there is a point where it's maybe not going to function anymore at some level, where we can't play 'Battery' or 'Master Of Puppets' or songs like that. I know there's some people in the comments section that think that point has already come — and I appreciate that. [Laughs] But the only thing I can say is that it hasn't happened yet, knock on wood. Hopefully it won't happen for a while. I mean, [Paul] McCartney's out there past his 80th birthday. The [Rolling Stones] are still out there. [Bruce] Springsteen just started his tour."
Ulrich then clarifies his comment about comparing Metallica to artists whose music aren't at blinding tempos, adding that he hopes the band has about a decade left if they all stay healthy.
"…at the same time, Springsteen plays three-hour shows and just played 28 fucking songs on the opening night. He looks healthier and stronger than ever. But I appreciate what you're saying. None of them are playing 'Battery.' I would say if we stay healthy, hopefully we've got another decade. I mean, the second I'm done with you, I'm getting on the Peloton."
Unfortunately Metallica isn't the only huge band in the metal world that questions how many days they've got left. In a recent interview, Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris openly pondered his own band's future and how they'll function when touring isn't an option anymore.
