Lars Ulrich recently shared insights into Metallica’s enduring connection with their fanbase, explaining the band’s core philosophy in an interview featured on 107.7 The Bone.

The Metallica drummer addressed what keeps the legendary metal band so closely connected to their audience after decades in the industry.

When asked about Metallica’s enduring connection with the band’s fans, Ulrich emphasized the band members’ identity as fans themselves.

“I guess the first thought that comes to mind is because we are fans,” Ulrich said. “And that will always be part of who we are. So when I see these guys out in the front row, that was me and still is me, whether it’s music or whether it’s film or whether it’s any kind of other creative endeavors or art in general.”

He went on to explain how this shared perspective unites the entire band.

“And so I think the answer, really, is that all of us, and Kirk [Hammett], Rob [Trujillo] and James [Hetfield] all are like-minded in that sense, and I think all of us really just so identify with the fans and the people that are out there, because we’re just the ones up on stage, but we’re all the same,” he continued.

Ulrich also revealed what he considers Metallica’s fundamental mission as a band.

“And ultimately, if there’s any kind of — I’m not big on manifests or M.O.s or whatever, but if there’s anything that Metallica certainly strives for is to try to break down that barricade, that barrier that exists between a band and an audience and try to do away what with whatever it is that separates us and try to have us all just be one of sharing an experience together,” he explained. “And so that’s sort of what’s in our head space. That was in our heads when we started 150 years ago, and that’s still in our heads now. The only difference is that what we’re doing is connecting with more people than it used to.”

The comments were made during the Mill Valley Film Festival. They highlighted the band’s consistent approach to their relationship with fans throughout their career.

This philosophy is not just talk for Metallica. The band actively puts these principles into practice through their touring concepts and fan experiences.

Metallica’s official website reported that the band’s ongoing M72 No Repeat Weekend tour concept emphasizes not just the music but also social experiences among fans. The band has extended this unique weekend format into 2025. It offers fans opportunities to engage with one another between shows through extracurricular events designed for fans to connect, enhancing the sense of community and breaking down the traditional band-audience barrier.

The physical design of Metallica’s shows also reflects Ulrich’s philosophy of eliminating separation between band and audience. We Are Super noted that the band features an in-the-round stage with the Snake Pit at the center. This design physically breaks down separation between band and audience and promotes an intimate, 360-degree shared experience. This special standing area right in the middle of the stage allows fans to be up close with the band, serving as a physical embodiment of closing the gap between performer and audience.

Metallica’s connection with their fans extends beyond stage design to personal engagement with local communities. AXS TV highlighted that tens of thousands of fans gather together at venues like Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium for Metallica’s shows. The band’s long-term appreciation for their fans and local traditions creates a deeper bond. Metallica’s acknowledgment of Virginia Tech’s use of “Enter Sandman” as a fight song and their personalized connection to the community shows an understanding and respect for fans beyond just the music.

These carefully designed experiences reward and celebrate the fans. They reinforce Metallica’s identity as part of a fan family rather than a distant rock band on a pedestal. The approach demonstrates that Ulrich’s words about breaking down barriers are backed by concrete actions that create both social and spatial closeness between band and audience.