Lars Ulrich Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Metallica Drummer | MetalForge

Quick Facts: Lars Ulrich

Lars Ulrich Biography

Lars Ulrich (born December 26, 1963, in Gentofte, Denmark) is a Danish-American musician who co-founded Metallica in 1981 alongside vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield. As the band's drummer, primary spokesman, and a key creative force, Ulrich has been instrumental in shaping Metallica into one of the most commercially successful and influential heavy metal bands in history.

Ulrich was the first Danish-born musician inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when Metallica received the honor in 2009. He is widely recognized for his aggressive drumming style, distinctive fills, and his role in pioneering the thrash metal genre alongside bands like Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax—collectively known as the "Big Four" of thrash metal.

Career Highlights

• 1981: Co-founded Metallica in Los Angeles with James Hetfield after placing a newspaper ad seeking musicians
• 1983: Released "Kill 'Em All," Metallica's debut album, establishing the thrash metal template
• 1986: Recorded "Master of Puppets," widely considered one of the greatest metal albums ever made
• 1991: Released "The Black Album" (Metallica), which sold over 16 million copies in the US alone
• 1996: Headlined Lollapalooza festival, breaking metal's alternative boundaries
• 2000: Testified before the US Senate Judiciary Committee regarding Napster and digital piracy
• 2004: Subject of the documentary "Some Kind of Monster," revealing band dynamics and personal struggles
• 2009: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Metallica
• 2016: Released "Hardwired...to Self-Destruct," Metallica's first album in 8 years, debuting at #1
• 2023: Released "72 Seasons," Metallica's eleventh studio album

Style & Influences

Lars Ulrich's drumming style is characterized by aggressive, driving rhythms and distinctive snare fills that have become synonymous with Metallica's sound. His approach prioritizes serving the song over technical showmanship, creating memorable patterns that complement the guitar riffs.

Key Influences:
- Buddy Rich: Jazz legend whose precision influenced Ulrich's ambition
- Ian Paice (Deep Purple): Hard rock drumming foundational to Ulrich's style
- Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor (Motörhead): Raw energy and speed
- New Wave of British Heavy Metal: Bands like Diamond Head, Iron Maiden, and Saxon

Signature Techniques:
- Aggressive double bass patterns on songs like "One" and "Battery"
- Trademark snare fills leading into choruses
- Syncopated rhythms on complex arrangements like "...And Justice for All"
- Minimalist, groove-focused approach on later albums

Gear Highlights

Lars Ulrich has been a Tama endorser since the mid-1980s, using their drums exclusively for over three decades. His signature snare drum, the Tama LU1465, features a 14"x6.5" steel shell designed to cut through Metallica's wall of guitar sound.

Current Setup (2023-Present):
- Drums: Tama Starclassic Maple in custom black finish
- Snare: Tama LU1465 Lars Ulrich Signature (14"x6.5" steel)
- Cymbals: Zildjian A Custom series including 14" Dyno Beat Hi-Hats, various crashes, and a 22" ride
- Hardware: Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide double pedal
- Sticks: Ahead Lars Ulrich Signature (aluminum alloy)
- Heads: Remo (Emperor/Ambassador)

Notable Gear Evolution:
- Started with Camco drums in early Metallica years
- Transitioned to Tama in the mid-1980s
- Pioneer of Ahead aluminum drumsticks for durability
- Known for relatively small kit compared to many metal drummers

Frequently Asked Questions

What drums does Lars Ulrich play?

Lars Ulrich plays Tama Starclassic drums with his signature LU1465 snare drum.

When did Lars Ulrich co-found Metallica?

Lars Ulrich co-founded Metallica in 1981 in Los Angeles with James Hetfield.

Is Lars Ulrich in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Yes, Lars was inducted in 2009 with Metallica, becoming the first Danish-born musician in the Hall.

What is Lars Ulrich known for?

Lars is known for co-founding Metallica, pioneering thrash metal drumming, and his aggressive style with distinctive fills.

Where is Lars Ulrich from?

Lars Ulrich was born in Gentofte, Denmark on December 26, 1963.

What drum kit did Lars Ulrich use?

Lars Ulrich's drum kit is a Tama Starclassic Maple kit in a custom black finish, built around his signature Tama LU1465 snare — a 14"x6.5" steel shell designed to cut through Metallica's wall of guitar sound. The kit also carries Zildjian A Custom cymbals, including 14" Dyno Beat hi-hats, several crashes, and a 22" ride, powered by a Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide double pedal. Ulrich started on Camco drums in Metallica's earliest years before switching to Tama in the mid-1980s.

What drum set did Lars Ulrich use?

Lars Ulrich's drum set is built on Tama Starclassic Maple shells finished in custom black, anchored by his signature Tama LU1465 14"x6.5" steel snare drum. Zildjian A Custom cymbals — 14" Dyno Beat hi-hats, multiple crashes, and a 22" ride — round out the set, along with a Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide double pedal and Ahead aluminum alloy signature drumsticks. Ulrich has used Tama exclusively since moving on from Camco drums in the mid-1980s.

What cymbals does Lars Ulrich use?

Lars Ulrich uses Zildjian A Custom series cymbals, including 14" Dyno Beat hi-hats, several A Custom crash cymbals, and a 22" A Custom ride. The bright, cutting tone of the A Custom line helps his cymbals project through Metallica's heavily distorted guitar mix.

What snare drum does Lars Ulrich use?

Lars Ulrich's primary snare is the Tama LU1465, his signature 14"x6.5" steel-shell snare drum built for maximum cut and volume on stage. It has been his main snare since he moved from Camco drums to Tama in the mid-1980s.