NME News

Metallica to 'do a Radiohead'?

Metallica

Metallica

Band hint at future internet releases

Metallica have hinted that they are considering releasing music in the style of Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails, who recently gave away material free online.

Drummer Lars Ulrich told Rolling Stone that he had observed the behaviour of both acts, and said Metallica may be influenced by them in the future.

The band's traditional record deal with Warners expires when they release their next studio album.

"We're looking at how we can embrace everything," Ulrich said. "We want to be as free players as possible. We've been observing Radiohead and Trent Reznor [of Nine Inch Nails] and in 27 years or however long it takes for the next record, we'll be looking forward to everything in terms of possibilities with the internet."

The news may come as a surprise to some Metallica fans. Ulrich has traditionally been opposed to free downloads. In 2000 the band sued peer-to-peer software company Napster for distributing their songs.

Metallica tickets:

Comments (3)

Add a comment

fustymccrank 

Apr 25, 2008

I used to love Metallica and still think they are amazing live, but they have released nothing that I would have paid for for years, so this is only fair!!!

gary brearley 

Apr 25, 2008

Hypocrites, what a u-turn, remember Napster, I do

Sanderz666 

Apr 28, 2008

Soon change their attitude when they realize downloading could be beneficial for the artist. They aren't doing it for the fans they are doing for themselves!

Add your comment

NME Alerts

Get NME news delivered direct to your desktop. Find out more

Please sign in

Forgot your password?

Register with MyNME

Every Tuesday

  • Breaking News stories
  • All you need to know about the week's NME magazine
  • Live, Album and Track reviews
  • Tip offs about the most important Gigs
  • All the latest NME.COM video exclusives

Every Friday

  • NME.COM's free mini-magazine
  • Gig listings for the weekend
  • All the most important Album and Track reviews
  • The week's biggest News stories
  • Competitions - with exclusive music prizes
  • plus loads more!

In The Magazine

This Week's Issue
  • The ultimate guide to the week in music
  • Agenda-setting news and fiery comment
  • Must-read interviews with the planet's hottest bands
  • Hundreds of UK gigs listed every week
  • Unrivalled access to the artists that matter
  • Subscribe today and get 1/3rd off NME