Metallica fans are well aware that the reason that longtime bassist Jason Newsted was unceremoniously kicked out of the band in the early aughts was because he launched a side project, Echo Brain, and that did not sit well with frontman James Hetfield. In the years since, it seems like other members of the band had projects on the side to distract them, whether it's Kirk Hammet's fear festival or Robert Trujillo producing a movie.
But what about James Hetfield? Would he ever consider doing another project with different members? The answer is still no. Speaking to fanzine, So What?, Hetfield said he feels if he were to do anything else it would distract from Metallica:
That's a great question, because, for me, it's always been if anyone does something else, it waters down the potency of Metallica. That's always been the thought around it. But I guess if they do it, it's okay, but if I do it, it's not, because I'm the frontman, or Lars [Ulrich] is the drummer. We're the founders. We can't do that kind of stuff.
"I think it's always been like that, and I still feel that a little bit. And I think Metallica, for Lars and myself— I'll speak mainly for me, but I know he feels the same way — Metallica is our side project too. It's our main project, it's our side project, it's our 24-7 project. It doesn't mean that I don't want to try other things, like voiceover work, a book, photography, art, cars… you name it. I want it to add to me, not subtract from Metallica."
He continued: "Before, I might have come to the table with a negative attitude around side projects: 'You're doing that, which means you're not into this band as much as I am or Lars is.' I'm tired of that feeling and I'm tired of that resentment.
"At the end of the day, I know Lars and I are the guides of this. We steer Metallica most of the time, and the other two guys are very happy that that is the way it is. And we're all equal. We're all contributing in our way. But I think Lars and I are very comfortable being the spearheads of it. And we are in a great spot right now, because everyone knows the band is prioritized above everything, but everyone also feels free to to explore other things."
It's an interesting point that he makes and I respect him for staying loyal to his main project. But can you imagine James lending his rhythm guitar prowess to another band?
If you were booking a super group with James as the rythym guitarist (not singer) who else would be in the band?
