---
name: "Lars Ulrich"
band: "Metallica"
genre: "Thrash Metal"
country: "Denmark"
primary_brand: "Tama"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/lars-ulrich"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-06"
---

# Lars Ulrich

Lars Ulrich is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Metallica, a defining act in thrash metal.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Lars Ulrich |
| Band | Metallica |
| Genre | Thrash Metal |
| Country | Denmark |
| Primary brand | Tama |
| Drum kit | Tama Starclassic Maple |
| Signature snare | Tama LU1465 Lars Ulrich Signature 14x6.5" |
| Sticks | Ahead Lars Ulrich Signature Drumsticks |

## Biography

Lars Ulrich is a Danish musician and co-founder of Metallica, one of the most influential thrash metal bands in history. Born in 1963, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his drumming career and formed Metallica with James Hetfield in 1981. Known for his aggressive style and iconic drum fills, Lars has been instrumental in shaping the sound of heavy metal.

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.

## Band History

- **Metallica** — 1981–present (current)

## Gear

- **Drums:** Tama Starclassic Maple
- **Snare:** Tama LU1465 Lars Ulrich Signature 14x6.5"
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian A Custom Series (14" Dyno Beat Hi-Hats, 16", 17" & 18" Rock Crashes, 20" Z Custom China, 22" Ride)
- **Hardware:** Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide Double Pedal, Tama 1st Chair Throne
- **Sticks:** Ahead Lars Ulrich Signature Drumsticks
- **Heads:** Remo

## Notable Performances

- Sad But True - Drum Cam (Amsterdam 2023) (2023)
- For Whom The Bell Tolls - Lars Angle (Cunning Stunts) (1997)
- Enter Sandman - S&M Lars Cam (1999)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What drums does Lars Ulrich play?**

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

**Q: When did Lars Ulrich co-found Metallica?**

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

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

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

**Q: What is Lars Ulrich known for?**

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

**Q: Where is Lars Ulrich from?**

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

## Quotes

> "I'm not the best drummer in the world, but I'm the best drummer for Metallica."
>
> — Modern Drummer Magazine (2008)

> "The only way to do great work is to love what you do. I've been fortunate enough to do that for over 40 years."
>
> — Drumeo Interview (2020)

> "Music is the most powerful form of communication in the world. It brings people together from all walks of life."
>
> — Rolling Stone (2016)

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Lars Ulrich on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/lars-ulrich)

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*Last updated: 2026-06-06 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*