In a recent Instagram post wishing Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich a happy birthday, former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum (who joined the band in 1990 and left in 1997) revealed that Ulrich is at least partially responsible for him getting the gig.
“Happy Belated Birthday to Lars Ulrich, I think I’ve expressed how much this guy means to me,” Sorum wrote. “We’ve been friends 36 years now since The Cult opened for Metallica on The Justice for All tour in 1989.
“He immediately opened his arms to me and invited me into Metallica world. When I made the move to GNR he was very instrumental in that as well. But as a friend he’s there for highs and lows. He reached out when my father passed as I did when his passed. Basically a good guy all around and true friend beyond the music.”
This isn’t the first time Sorum has thanked Ulrich for his role in helping him to secure the job as Guns N’ Roses drummer. In a 2020 post, which also celebrated Ulrich’s birthday, Sorum wrote:
“We met when The Cult opened their Justice For All tour and spent many nights on the road together living the rock n ‘roll life. The Cult had almost 6 months on that tour and the adventure was crazy and (the memories) are still with me to this day. That we stayed close because Lars gave Slash my number to get into GN’R. Of course GNR epic tour., and the legendary Metallica stadium tour. Besides all the most important music awards he’s always there as a friend.
