“A metalhead named Ron Quintana had a list of names for his fanzine. Lars saw that list. Ron chose Metal Mania – but Metallica was on there. So Lars ‘borrowed’ it. Forever”: James Hetfield on Metallica’s early days – when they were happy to have five fans

James Hetfield.

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich has made some pretty smart decisions in his time. Forming a band with guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield was certainly one. But when it came to naming that band, Hetfield reckons it was best for all concerned that Ulrich was overruled.

Speaking to MOJO magazine in 2008, Hetfield recalled: “The original band name Lars wanted was Thunderfuck. Okay, pretty cool! The story might have been a little different with Thunderfuck!”