Metallica’s members were guests on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday where they discussed their first album purchases. Jimmy Kimmel asked each band member about their first vinyl record after Lars Ulrich brought up the band’s recently purchased vinyl pressing plant. The first album someone buys can offer insight into their musical tastes.
Deep Purple – Fireball
Deep Purple’s 1971 album was the band’s second to feature their MKII lineup, and it included the title track and “Some Kind of Woman.” The album reached No. 32 in the United States and was a chart-topper in Lars Ulrich’s home country of Denmark. Given his affinity for heavier music, it’s not surprising that Ulrich would choose Deep Purple.
“The first one I bought, in 1973 my dad took me to see Deep Purple in Copenhagen, Denmark. The next day I went to the record store and bought their Fireball album,” shared Lars Ulrich.
Santana – Abraxas
Robert Trujillo was next in line, and he revealed that his first album was Santana Abraxas. The audience cheered when he mentioned it, and he followed up by saying that his second album was Wild and Peaceful by Kool and the Gang, which included the popular song “Jungle Boogie.” Abraxas was notable for featuring “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va,” two major hits. It is easy to see how the rhythmic elements of both albums influenced Trujillo’s musical path, particularly as a bass player.
The Partridge Family – A Partridge Family Christmas Card
During the show, Kirk Hammett revealed his first album, which took everyone by surprise: “I don’t really want to say,” he said shyly. “Ok, it was the Partridge Family Christmas Album.” Hammett then described the album, which included a green cover and a red envelope with a Christmas card signed by the Partridge Family, although he no longer had the card. The album, titled A Partridge Family Christmas Card, was released in 1971 and featured the actors from the TV show The Partridge Family covering Christmas classics such as “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The show ran from 1970 to 1974 on ABC and starred Shirley Jones, David Cassidy, Susan Dey, and Danny Bonaduce.
Lynyrd Skynyrd – (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd)
During the conversation with Jimmy Kimmel, James Hetfield, the lead vocalist of Metallica, named Lynyrd Skynyrd when asked about the first album he ever bought. Kimmel complimented his choice, and it is known that Lynyrd Skynyrd had five successful studio albums in the 1970s, featuring hit songs such as “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” Hetfield has previously stated his admiration for “Free Bird,” which was included on the band’s debut album called (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd).
Metallica’s new album 72 Seasons will be released on Friday, April 14th, and it could potentially be a young person’s first album purchase. The album is available for pre-order, and Metallica will be on tour until 2024. Tickets for their shows can be purchased at the provided link.
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