In a recent chat with Metallica journalist and So What! magazine editor Steffan Chirazi on the latest episode of the band’s official podcast, The Metallica Report, Brian Tatler said he didn’t think Metallica would be that big.
Tatler recalled when he first met Lars Ulrich. Ulrich bought Diamond Head’s album ‘Lightning to the Nations’ through mail order after seeing an advertisement. Then, Ulrich wrote to express his love for the record and even traveled from the U.S. to see them play in the U.K. Ulrich stayed with Diamond Head members for several weeks after the show.
Ulrich Wrote Letters To Tatler
After returning to California, the drummer contacted Tatler via letters. The guitarist detailed what Lars told him in the letter:
“And he said [he’s] got a band together, and it’s pretty fast, you know, that kind of thing. It’s called Metallica. The heavens didn’t open. I just thought, ‘Oh, that’s nice. He’s formed a band.’ Lars never mentioned it. Lars never said, ‘I play the drums,’ or he never said, ‘I’m going to be in a band’ or anything. He just seemed like an uber fan … I didn’t think that much would come of it. I’m just, in a way, humoring him because I like the guy, but I have no clue that they’re going to become the biggest metal band of all time. No idea.”
After Ulrich sent Tatler a demo, they kept in touch and became pen pals. The drummer shared updates about Metallica, like their upcoming concerts. In 1984, Ulrich called Brian and asked if Metallica could cover ‘Am I Evil?’ Tatler agreed and faxed the lyrics.
Metallica Saved Diamond Head
Speaking to Denim and Blether in November 2022, Tatler admitted that Metallica’s cover of their song helped them financially, explaining:
“And the income that sales of that song on their record would generate, I had no idea that it would help provide me with income for years and years to come. So it’s been an incredible bonus, if you like, for Diamond Head, and especially for myself and Sean Harris as the writers.”
In another interview, the guitarist said it would have been hard to keep Diamond Head going without Metallica’s help. Their version of the track introduced them to a broader audience.
You can listen to the full podcast below.