During a recent episode of The David Ellefson Show podcast, legendary drummer Dave Lombardo shared a captivating behind-the-scenes account of how he and Slipknot's Joey Jordison stepped in to help Metallica when drummer Lars Ulrich was unable to perform at the Download Festival in 2004.
The story reveals not only a moment of musical camaraderie but also an intimate glimpse into the dynamic between these iconic rock figures. Ulrich had been dealing with the stress of an intense touring schedule and the dissolution of his seven-year marriage to Skylar Satenstein, which led to his absence. In his place, Jordison and Lombardo worked together to play a set that covered the iconic band's powerful catalog.
Lombardo reflected on his experience, sharing with fans how Joey Jordison's early exposure to Metallica through his own cover band made him well-suited to the task at hand.
"Well, fortunately Joey, he had a Metallica cover band when he was young, before Slipknot or maybe even during Slipknot. And so he was very familiar with a lot of their newer albums. I was into, obviously, the first three or four — I think up until Master of Puppets. And then while at first, I wasn't into the Black Album, eventually the Black Album grew on me, 'cause it is a masterpiece," Lombardo said.
Lombardo went on to explain how, when he first saw the setlist for the performance, he felt confident he could tackle some of the iconic songs, particularly Metallica's classics like "The Four Horsemen" and "Battery." "When they told me, I said, 'Look, I can do the two. I could probably figure out some of the other ones.' But they had me just go up and do the first two, and then Joey, and obviously, Flemming went up and finished the rest of the songs," he added. Lombardo expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, mentioning a framed picture he keeps, commemorating the experience, with Metallica's gratitude for his contribution.
A special moment occurred during the rehearsals, which Lombardo described as an exciting and fun atmosphere.
"One of the real special moments was in the rehearsal. We were in one of those — I guess it was a small portable rehearsal room. They have a drum set in there, they've got their amp, they jam, get warmed up, get ready. And we were in there, and I could see their excitement when I was playing the song. They were really into it. And I kind of sped everything up a little bit, just kicked them in the ass a little," Lombardo reminisced. It was a unique experience, one that would forever stay etched in his memory. "And it was fun, man".
While the performance itself was intense, Lombardo described the professional mindset that kicked in as they took to the stage.
"Then we went on stage. And obviously professional mode steps in, and you really have to focus and make sure that everything's right and you kick ass for the moment. But it was a challenge — an exciting, fun, grateful moment in history that will never be repeated again."
Lombardo also shared a private yet humorous moment involving Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett. "Some of Kirk's commentary, which I'll keep private, was really, really funny and very complimentary and very kind from them."
The drummer expressed nothing but admiration for the band, saying, "I have nothing but respect for those guys. I have absolute respect."
