Metallica

1983
Metallica first live performance with Hammett

The band’s first live performance with Hammett was on April 16th 1983 at a club in Dover, New Jersey called The Showplace – they were supporting Anthrax, which featured Dan Lilker and Neil Turbin.

Metallica Hammett replaced Mustaine

To make way for Mustaine was new guitarist Kirk Hammett – he was brought in to replace him after their drummer was sacked.

Metallica ejected Mustaine

** The other band members basically had to kick Mustaine out of the band owing to his rubbish behaviour and addiction issues right before they started recording on April 11th, 1983. keep

Metallica first live performance with Burton

Metallica’s first live performance with Burton was at The Stone in March 1983.

Metallica first recording with Burton

Burton’s first recording with the band was the Megaforce demo (1983).

1982
Metallica Metal Massacre I released

** Metal Massacre I dropped on June 14th 1982 keep

Metallica fifth gig in May 1982

For the first time ever, Hetfield played guitar live at the band’s fifth gig in May 1982.

Metallica fourth gig in April 1982

By the band’s fourth gig – in April 1982 in Costa Mesa – they’d already had a couple of lineup changes, with lead guitarist Brad Parker joining for the night.

Metallica first gig in March 1982

Hetfield sang his first gig with the band in March 1982 at Radio City in Anaheim, with the band’s brand new bassist Ron McGovney.

Metallica recorded first demo Power Metal

In early 1982, Metallica laid down their first demo, Power Metal – the name came from McGovney’s (who was part of the band then) old business cards.