Empower Field at Mile High

Metallica is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1981 by vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich. The band has been based in San Francisco for most of its career. Metallica is recognized as one of the "big four" bands of thrash metal, alongside Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer. The band's lineup includes founding members Hetfield and Ulrich, longtime lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, and bassist Robert Trujillo. Former members include bassists Ron McGovney, Cliff Burton, and Jason Newsted, as well as guitarist Dave Mustaine, who was fired from the band in 1983 and subsequently formed Megadeth. Metallica achieved commercial success with its third album, 'Master of Puppets' (1986), which is often regarded as one of the best metal albums. The following album, '...And Justice for All' (1988), earned the band its first Grammy Award nomination.