Lars Ulrich: Beyond the Double Bass Drum - 10 Fun Facts You Didn't Know

Lars Ulrich, the powerhouse drummer anchoring Metallica for over four decades, is a figure instantly recognizable to metalheads everywhere. But beyond the double bass drum attacks and headbanging intensity, there's a surprising amount of depth to this Danish drumming legend. So, get ready to delve into the lesser-known side of Lars Ulrich with these ten fun facts that might just change the way you view the man behind the kit. 

1. Tennis Anyone?

Lars Ulrich hails from a family of accomplished athletes. While he found his calling on the drums, both his grandfather and father were professional tennis players. His grandfather, Einer Ulrich, even competed at Wimbledon! Lars himself was a talented junior player, but thankfully for metal fans everywhere, he traded the racket for drumsticks.

2. Godfather of Jazz:

Lars Ulrich. Photo by ultimate-guitar.com

Lars' artistic influences extend beyond the world of metal. His father, Torben Ulrich, was a jazz enthusiast, and Lars' godfather was none other than the legendary jazz saxophonist Dexter Gordon. Imagine little Lars jamming with Neneh Cherry (daughter of Don Cherry, another jazz great) – a childhood far removed from the mosh pits of metal shows!

3. Master of Many Tongues:

Lars isn't just a rhythmic powerhouse; he's a linguistic whiz as well. Fluent in Danish and English, he's also conversant in Swedish and German. This comes in handy during international tours and interviews, allowing him to connect with fans on a deeper level.

4. Art Aficionado:

When Lars isn't pounding the skins, he might be found admiring a masterpiece. He's a passionate art collector, with a particular fondness for contemporary art. His collection boasts works by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol, showcasing a surprising artistic depth. 

5. Download Destroyer:

In the early days of the internet, Metallica wasn't exactly a fan of digital music distribution. Lars, in particular, was a fierce critic of Napster, a file-sharing platform. However, Metallica eventually embraced the digital age, launching their own platform, "All Within the Minutes You Waste." Talk about a plot twist!

6. Exhibitionist (Sort Of):

Lars might seem intimidating behind the drum kit, but he's actually stepped outside his comfort zone and onto the tennis court – for charity! He's participated in exhibition matches with tennis superstars like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, proving that even metal legends can have a playful side.

7. Helping Hands:

Lars isn't just about the music; he's a philanthropist as well. He's actively involved in various charities, including the All Within My Hands Foundation, which Metallica established to support those in need. From disaster relief to supporting education initiatives, Lars uses his platform to make a positive impact.

8. Environmental Advocate:

Lars is a vocal advocate for environmental protection. He's spoken out against climate change and deforestation, urging fans to take action. Metallica even used their music to raise awareness, with the song "Don't Tread on Me" taking on a whole new meaning.

9. Metal Hall of Famer (and Danish Hall of Famer Too!):

Lars Ulrich and Metallica. Photo by gosshennews.com

Of course, Lars' achievements with Metallica are legendary. They've been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying their place in music history. But Lars also shares a unique honor with his father – induction into the Danish Hall of Fame in 2014. Talk about a full-circle moment!

10. Family Man:

Beyond the rockstar persona, Lars is a devoted family man. He's been married twice and has four children. Seeing this side of Lars adds another dimension to his larger-than-life image.

So there you have it – ten surprising facts that paint a more well-rounded picture of Lars Ulrich. From his artistic sensibilities to his athletic background and philanthropic endeavors, Lars is more than just a metal drummer. He's a complex individual with a rich tapestry of experiences that have undoubtedly shaped him both on and off the stage.