Metallica played with a fifth member named Damien C. Phillips in their early years. However, this lineup didn’t last long, and the band quickly went back to their usual four-member format.
A fan on X recently reached out to Ron McGovney with a question about that time:
“Is there any truth to the reports that after Damien Phillips was in the band for one show on 4/23/82, Metallica played one show with Jeff Warner on guitar at the Concert Factory on 5/28/82?”
The bassist shared:
“No, we never played a show with Jeff Warner. I remember his name being mentioned, but I don’t remember James ever jamming with him back then.”
Why Did Metallica Move On As A Four-Piece Band?
Metallica’s fifth member reportedly had no confirmed online presence, but his ex-bandmates mentioned him in their X posts and interviews from time to time.
McGovney revealed why they parted ways with Phillips in a 1996 interview with Shockwaves’ Pounding Pat O’Connor:
“We did one show at the Concert Factory in Costa Mesa, and while James, Lars and myself are getting dressed to go on stage, we hear this guitar solo so we look over the railing of the dressing room and we see Brad on stage just blazing away on his guitar. So that was Metallica’s first and last gig with Damian C. Phillips. Later I think he went on to join Odin.”
The bassist later noted in a tweet that the guitarist’s ‘style just didn’t work out for us.’
The Fifth Member Passed Away Years Ago
Odin announced Brad Parker’s passing with a Facebook post in January 2018:
“Our hearts go out to Brad Parker who passed yesterday. Brad was a member of Odin and played guitar with us in our formative years before we became a 4 piece. He also played on our very first EP ‘Caution.’ He was vital in our formation and we all wish him a peaceful journey into the afterlife.”
The post noted that Parker was older than the other members by a few years. It went on:
“He had taken lessons with Randy Rhodes and played in bands with Joey Vera, Tommy Lee and rumors of a very early Metallica. He rented a house in Glendale and transformed the garage into the rehearsal studio where we practiced, listened to music, and partied every day (literally). He taught us how to promote the band. We rocked quite a few backyard parties, clubs, and he also played Perkins Palace once with us for our very first ‘big show.’ Rest well old friend and thank you!”
The comments section implied that Brad Parker pursued a career as an archaeology professor after his time in the music scene.
No, we never played a show with Jeff Warner. I remember his name being mentioned, but I don’t remember James ever jamming with him back then.
— Ron McGovney (@RonMcGovney) May 8, 2024