Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich shared a fascinating backstage story from when his band opened for rock legends The Rolling Stones, revealing a surprising rule involving frontman Mick Jagger.
Back in November 2005, Metallica had the prestigious gig of opening for The Rolling Stones for two nights at San Francisco’s SBC Park (now Oracle Park). It marked the first time Metallica had served as special guests since 1992, and Ulrich described it at the time as an honor. For him, it was the culmination of a childhood dream.
Lars said: “At that time we had played shows over our career with Deep Purple, with AC/DC, with a few other bands, all the bands that I had posters on on my wall when I was a kid, and so the last one of those boxes to check was the Stones.”
However, during a recent appearance on the Club Random with Bill Maher podcast, Ulrich recounted a specific backstage instruction that left the band baffled.
“So we’re sitting backstage, and – and this is in no way a judgment on the Stones, this is really more about us – at one point a a personal assistant or whatever comes and says, ‘Mick Jagger‘s gonna walk through here in a couple minutes, he’s going over to his private gym in his truck, and he’s going to warm up before the show. When he walks through here, please don’t make eye contact with him or talk to him.’”
Ulrich recalled his band’s reaction of disbelief and amusement, particularly regarding Jagger‘s elaborate pre-show routine involving a mobile gym. But he also pointed out the irony, noting how Metallica‘s own backstage preparations have evolved over the years.
He continued: “So we’re sitting there going, What? He has a truck with a portable gym in it? He goes and warms up for 30-45 minutes before he goes on stage? Cue Hahaha, Oh my God! Now guess who’s got a truck with a gym in it? Guess who’s got a Peloton bike on the road with us? Guess who’s got a chef who walks around and makes us protein drinks and all kinds of other nasty stuff?”
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