"Stream, Buy, or Steal": Lars Ulrich's Take on Modern Music Fans
Metallica’s drummer is content with fans accessing their music however they choose.
- Lars Ulrich reflects on Metallica’s Napster controversy, noting he’s just happy people still engage with their music.
- He recognizes it’s tougher for younger bands today without the same support for gear and touring.
- Despite the challenges, Ulrich believes true talent will find its audience—though it takes a lot more hustle now.
Metallica’s Lars Ulrich once wore the crown of “public enemy” in the music scene, especially when he led the crusade against Napster and the whole file-sharing culture. Back then, he was the face of the so-called “greedy musician,” railing against the free-for-all nature of downloading that let everyone grab songs (and viruses) off the internet, slap them on a blank CD, and call it a day.
Congress got an earful, Napster eventually hit the ground, but did that stop the digital grab-bag of music piracy? Hardly. To this day, people can still download just about any Metallica track they fancy, from Master of Puppets on down.
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Yet, some have shifted perspective, realizing that, after all, these artists might actually be losing out—something those big, fat record sales could’ve bolstered back in the day.
In a recent sit-down with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett on the “SmartLess” podcast, Ulrich had a thing or two to say about those years and what’s changed in the industry. Reflecting on the long battle with piracy and today’s landscape, he dropped a line that was equal parts candid and resigned.
“It’s all different now. And yeah, maybe this sounds like a bit of a cop-out, but honestly, I’m just glad that people give a damn, whether they stream, buy, or yes, even steal our music. The engagement itself is what matters—that’s the victory. But it’s a hell of a lot harder for the younger bands now. They’re not getting the record company support we had, even for basics like gear and touring. So it’s a whole different game.”
Once upon a time, folks swore that piracy was the gateway for fans to discover new bands, which they claimed would ultimately lead to more sales in merch, tickets, and maybe even albums. Now, it seems like Ulrich is dipping a toe into that idea, albeit knowing Metallica’s safe in their spot as a world-dominating band. For newer acts, however, the road is steep, to say the least.
For many young musicians, making a living today sounds like a fantasy compared to two decades ago. Ulrich didn’t mince words:
“Good talent and songwriting will find their crowd, sooner or later. You could be doing it from your bedroom or through a record label, but if you’re talented, you’ll get heard. That said, it’s a rough deal for a lot of bands out there. Twenty years ago, playing in clubs or theaters was enough to survive—now, it’s different. They’re not selling as many records, so they have to be constantly out there, hustling.”
These days, it’s a different world in music. And while Ulrich might’ve once fought hard to secure those precious sales, even he now appreciates the simple fact that people still care about Metallica—streaming, buying, or “borrowing” the music, one way or another.
This week, it’s tennis player turned rock legend, @larsulrich of @Metallica. Welcome to @SmartLess. @SeanHayes @batemanjason @arnettwill
— “SmartLess” (@SmartLess) September 25, 2023
“SmartLess” is available one week early & ad-free with Wondery+ on @ApplePodcasts or the @WonderyMedia app, and early on @amazonmusic. pic.twitter.com/f6ogu5TU3I
Escaping her home, Storm joined the #MetallicaFamily for an unforgettable night.
