James Hetfield

“If I hadn't had music in my life, it's quite possible I'd be dead and I'd much rather be alive.”

“I'd like to have a beer-holder on my guitar like they have on boats.”

“A lot of modern amps and preamps sound great when you're jamming by yourself, but don't hold up in a band situation. The sound isn't dense enough, and the lows and highs tend to get soaked u...”

“My live sound does not work in the studio, which is a completely different animal. Every little thing is detrimental to the sound. And if someone moves a mic, you've lost it. It's pretty muc...”

“I like playing music because it's a good living and I get satisfaction from it. But I can't feed my family with satisfaction.”

“I'd much rather talk about guitar playing. I hate it when people ask me about my lyrics. I always feel like telling them to just go and read them.”

“I've discovered that sheer quantity doesn't necessarily make for a heavier sound; if anything, overdubs make guitars sound mushier.”

“Just like the poles of a magnet, some people are drawn to death and others are repulsed by it, but we all have to deal with it.”

“I'm married to Metallica.”

“There is something powerful in Metallica, a will, a drive.”

“There is one Metallica. We have many styles, it's called Metallica.”

“Metallica is a wonderful key to have on my key ring. I can go anywhere - it's great.”

“I'm always feeling like I don't belong, no matter where I am. So I'm just searching for a family nonstop, and sometimes I find it in the mosh pit, sometimes I find it when I'm doing some Fre...”

“Most of my guitars have been instruments that look cool. I'm not picky. I never think, 'Oh, this neck isn't made of ebony,' or, 'These strings don't feel correct.' It doesn't matter too much...”

“Nothing's really a prized possession except my family, you know?”