In the pre-internet and pre-iPhone era of the 1980s, it seemed that successful rock bands could get away with just about anything. Motley Crue’s notorious 2001 autobiography, “The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band,” is evidence of this.
However, Motley Crue wasn’t the only band living a wild lifestyle while on tour. Over the years, Metallica has shared numerous stories about their own outrageous antics, earning them the nickname “Alcoholica” due to their love of strong drinks.
And it sounded like when Metallica was touring in support of their classic sophomore effort, “Ride the Lightning,” a certain member in particular was at his craziest and most unpredictable. Especially during a tour in early 1985, which saw Metallica touring North America with W.A.S.P. and Armored Saint also on the bill.
John Bush talks about Metallica
During an interview with 101 WRIF, Armored Saint singer John Bush discussed this particular tour. And gave a couple of examples of the nuttiness that ensued.
“We developed a really great friendship with the Metallica guys at that point,” Bush said. “We were both on the same management, Q Prime, at that point.”
“And we have stories, like when James [Hetfield] threw Joey’s leather jacket out the window from a Denver hotel, like, 30 stories. He’s going, ‘That’s a cool jacket.’ Joey [Vera] had this cool, red lapel leather-studded jacket. And goes, ‘Let me see it!’ He got it, and he threw it out the window. And you just saw Joey’s jacket floating down in the snow.”
As per Bush, it didn’t end there. Apparently it continued late into the night or rather, early into the next morning.
“And then James pulled the fire alarm. It was late, like 2:00 in the morning. And everybody had to leave in their pajamas and go out in the cold. And he didn’t get caught for it; that was a great story. That was pretty funny, a lot of fun times on that tour.”
