Through the interview, Ulrich was questioned about whether or not the band members share fan-created Metallica memes. This prompted him to debate their inside communication strategies.
“We’ve got a band-only textual content thread that’s only for the 4 members, and there are undoubtedly some enjoyable issues that we see this present day with all people being so inventive,” Ulrich mentioned.
The drummer went on to share a selected instance of content material that lately made its approach into their non-public chat.
“There was this ‘Star Wars’ one going round every week or two in the past which was actually humorous,” he continued. “There are some conversations between Darth Vader and a complete factor that builds up, after which they’re speaking concerning the darkish aspect. Then impulsively it goes into ‘Darkness imprisoning me!’ — that entire factor from ‘One.’ I feel it had its origins on TikTok.”
Ulrich expressed the band’s appreciation for fan creativity. He additionally acknowledged the challenges of sustaining the quantity of fan-generated content material.
“We love individuals’s creativity, and to see so many followers reinterpret our songs, whether or not it’s on guitar or drums or singing them and clearly taking them into completely different genres,” he mentioned.
“Typically you combine somewhat AI in there after which one thing enjoyable spits out. It’s so much to maintain observe of as a result of this occurs lots of, if not 1000’s, of instances a day. However there are some enjoyable ones that get into our band-only textual content thread for the 4 of us to take pleasure in and respect.”
The feedback have been made throughout promotion of the brand new documentary “Metallica Saved My Life.”
This openness to fan creativity and improved communication displays a big evolution in Metallica’s inside dynamics over the many years.
The band’s present collaborative strategy is a big change from their earlier years when communication points practically prompted them to interrupt aside. In keeping with Sparks Group, Metallica turned to efficiency coaches to boost their teamwork and communication abilities. Ulrich has shared how useful this strategy has been, emphasizing that the band now prioritizes their relationships over inventive disagreements.
“We notice now that there’s nothing creatively or nothing virtually that’s value damaging that relationship over. And — dare I take advantage of the phrase — empathy reveals up sometimes on this band now,” Ulrich mentioned in discussing their improved dynamics.
