Celebrity Info
The co-founder of the Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band Metallica, he has long been recognized as a driving force behind the group’s iconic sound. In 2009, Joel McIver named him the eighth greatest metal guitarist of all time—a title that reflects his immense influence in the world of rock and metal. Within Metallica, he shares the stage with bassist Robert Trujillo, drummer Lars Ulrich, and fellow guitarist Kirk Lee Hammett, forming one of the most legendary lineups in music history. Before fame took hold, his early passion for music was fueled by Aerosmith, the band that inspired him to pick up the guitar and begin his journey into musicianship. Over time, he expanded his skills, mastering not only guitar but also bass and piano, showcasing his deep dedication to his craft. On August 17, 1997, he married Francesca, beginning a personal chapter that brought them three children together—Cali, Castor, and Marcella. Though their marriage lasted for over two decades, he filed for divorce from Francesca in August 2022, marking a significant turning point in his personal life. Throughout it all, Metallica remains central to his identity, both as an artist and as a founding member who helped shape the evolution of heavy metal.
When he was just sixteen, he had to watch his mother pass away from cancer without any medical treatment—she firmly believed in Christian Science, which ultimately meant rejecting medicine. That painful experience left a deep mark on him, and it later became the inspiration behind the Metallica song “The God That Failed.” He often reflects on that time as a turning point, one that shaped his views and fueled his creative expression. He still carries the memory with him, and it’s something he’s spoken about openly, showing how personal loss can influence art in powerful ways. He learned early on how belief systems can have real, sometimes devastating, consequences—and he hasn’t forgotten it.
Turkey
