Lars Ulrich Opens Up on Prospect of Metallica’s Retirement: ‘There’ll Come a Point When We Can’t Play ‘Battery’ or ‘Master of Puppets”

“I would say if we stay healthy, hopefully we’ve got another decade.”

Lars Ulrich posited that Metallica has “hopefully” got another decade of activity left in them if every member remains healthy, suggesting that a time may come when he and his bandmates won’t have the stamina to perform songs like “Battery” and “Master of Puppets”.

With everyone being deeply invested in the upcoming release of “72 Seasons”, the idea of Metallica retiring is probably the last thing on any fan’s mind.

But, as unthinkable as it may be to some, Lars & Co. aren’t getting any younger — both Lars and James will be turning 60 this year — and retirement will inevitably become something that the harsh giants are at least going to think about in the upcoming years.

Speaking to Revolver in a new interview, Lars Ulrich says his bandmates still haven’t given retirement a thought, and argued that his and his bandmates’ ability to perform some of Metallica’s more physically demanding material might diminish at one point.

As a result, the drummer notes that everyone’s priority right now is staying healthy, so that day doesn’t come anytime soon:

“It’s not something we’ve talked a lot about, no. I think most of the energy and the resources go into trying to stay healthy, stay cohesive, stay functioning. As I get older, I spend more and more of my time on my daily workouts, on my cardio, on my strength training. I’m chained to my Peloton hours a day. It’s all about trying to stay healthy: eating healthy, living healthy, whatever it is each of us need to bring to the table.

“Obviously, there is a point where it’s maybe not going to function anymore at some level, where we can’t play ‘Battery’ or ‘Master of Puppets’ or songs like that. I know there’s some people in the comments section that think that point has already come — and I appreciate that. [Laughs] But the only thing I can say is that it hasn’t happened yet, knock on wood.

“Hopefully it won’t happen for a while. I mean, McCartney’s out there past his 80th birthday. The Stones are still out there. Springsteen just started his tour.”

When the interviewer noted that none of the aforementioned artists are playing demanding songs such as “Battery” every night, Lars added:

“Right. But at the same time, Springsteen plays three-hour shows and just played 28 fucking songs on the opening night. He looks healthier and stronger than ever. But I appreciate what you’re saying. None of them are playing ‘Battery.’ I would say if we stay healthy, hopefully we’ve got another decade. I mean, the second I’m done with you, I’m getting on the Peloton.”

“72 Seasons will be released on April 14 via the band’s own label, Blackened. You can check out upcoming Metallica dates here.