Metallica to Perform Live at Skonto in Riga, Latvia July 20

Metallica will be performing live at the Skonto in Riga, Latvia on Sunday, July 20 at 8:00 pm.

Los Angeles, California born, Metallica formed in 1981 when Lars Ulrich, the band’s drummer posted an ad in a Los Angeles newspaper to start a band.  The band’s original lineup included Ulrich and James Hetfield on rhythm guitar as well as Dave Mustaine on lead guitar and Ron McGovney on bass, who were later replaced by Cliff Burton and Kirk Hammett.  Burton remained with the band until his untimely death in 1986.  The tour bus allegedly skidded out of control crushing the basis.  His replacement was Jason Newsted, who was later replaced by Robert Trujillo in 2003 following Newsted’s resignation in 2001.

Known for their fast tempos, instrumentals and thrash metal style, the band quickly gained popularity.  Critics say their 1986 album, Master of Puppets was an influential and “heavy” thrash metal albums.  The group’s 1991 self titled album peaked at number one on the Billboard 200.  In 1996 the band faced accusations of “selling out” with the release of Load which had “an almost alternative [rock] approach.” 

Metallica gained further recognition in the media in 2000 when they sued Napster.  They complained that their copyrighted material was being distributed for free without their consent.  The case was settled and Napster soon became a pay to use service.

View the Metallica Music Video for One on Finditt Videos.