Lars Ulrich’s Unforgettable Grammy Acceptance Speech: A Blast from the Past — Watch
via WV Monster / YouTube
The ever-evolving world of music awards, some moments stand out more than others. One such unforgettable incident occurred at the Grammy Awards in 1992 when Metallica’s drummer, Lars Ulrich, took the stage to accept an award, making a speech that reverberated through the music industry.
To set the stage, it’s essential to rewind to 1989, the year when the Recording Academy introduced a new category to the Grammy Awards: Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance Vocal or Instrumental.
This addition aimed to recognize the burgeoning hard rock scene in the United States, championed by influential platforms like MTV.
However, the inaugural year of this category left many scratching their heads. Despite Metallica’s impactful presence on the airwaves with their music video for “One,” the Grammy went to Jethro Tull, a prog band known for their flutes rather than hard rock anthems. The decision baffled everyone, including Jethro Tull themselves, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of Metallica and their fans.
View this post on Instagram
Back in 1992, Metallica found themselves back on the Grammy stage, this time for their monumental “Black Album.” Fresh from performing their hit “Enter Sandman” live on TV, the band bagged their second Grammy. As Lars Ulrich stepped up to the microphone, he didn’t hold back.
“Couldn’t they have given us a few more minutes after that?” Ulrich quipped, alluding to their recent performance. Then, with a blend of humor and sarcasm, he unleashed a tirade that has become legendary in the rock world. Acknowledging the infamous 1989 incident, Ulrich stated, “We’ve gotta thank Jethro Tull for not putting out an album this year… read between the lines, you know what I mean?”
Ulrich didn’t stop there
He went on to express his gratitude to Metallica’s supporters, including radio stations and MTV, but not without a touch of irony.
His words laced with a mix of appreciation and satire, he said,
“I wanna thank the stations for coming around, finally, and understanding what Metallica’s all about.”
This bold speech marked a turning point in Metallica’s Grammy journey. Over the years, their relationship with the Recording Academy mellowed, leading to a collection of nine Grammy Awards, six of which are for Best Metal Performance. Their accolades reflect not only their musical prowess but also the resilience and passion that define their remarkable career.
Lars Ulrich’s candid and spirited acceptance speech remains etched in Grammy history, serving as a reminder of the band’s unwavering dedication to their craft and the fervent support of their fans. As music continues to evolve, moments like these remind us of the passion and authenticity that make the industry so captivating.
Watch the video below:
