Metallica's Lars Ulrich hints at Atlanta tour date

BY MELISSA RUGGIERI/AJC Music Scene

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – Metallica fans have clamored for any crumb of information about the band’s upcoming tour, which will be announced Monday.

When drummer Lars Ulrich and his wife, model Jessica Miller, stopped to chat for a minute on the red carpet at the annual Clive Davis bash – officially known as the Pre-Grammy Gala and Grammy Salute to Industry Icons - at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Saturday night, Ulrich gave a few hints about what to expect.

“We haven’t done a full U.S. tour in about eight years. We’re so looking forward to getting back out there. We’ve played a few festivals, a few pockets. We were available to open stadiums.”

Ulrich said the upcoming stadium tour will encompass 23 or 24 shows.

When asked if Atlanta fans can expect to see a Metallica date when the itinerary is unveiled, he laughed, said “Ahhhhhhh,” and put his finger to his lips in a “shhh” motion.

“We’d better be!” Miller chimed in.

So take that as a sort-of confirmation.

Metallica released its 10^th studio album, “Hardwired…to Self-Destruct,” in November. The band is slated to perform with Lady Gaga at Sunday’s Grammy Awards , which air at 8 p.m. on CBS.

“(She’s) the new member of Metallica,” Ulrich enthused. “We rehearsed (Friday) and did a soundcheck (Saturday). It’s awesome. It’s gonna be cool.”

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