Lars Ulrich (born 26 December 1963) is a Danish musician, the drummer, and a founding member of the American heavy metal band Metallica. Along with James Hetfield, Ulrich has songwriting credits on almost all of the band’s songs, and they are the only remaining original members.
The son and grandson of tennis players Torben and Einer Ulrich, he played tennis in his youth before moving to Los Angeles at age 16 to train professionally. However, Ulrich switched to playing drums and formed Metallica after meeting Hetfield through an advertisement.
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Lars Ulrich Net Worth
Lars Ulrich has a net worth of $350 million. In 1993, he purchased a mansion in Tiburon, California, for $6 million, which included the adjacent home. Adjusted for inflation, this would be approximately $10.6 million today. At some point, Ulrich acquired another home next to the main house, combining them into a 2-acre property.
The main house, spanning 13,000 square feet, is one of the largest in Marin County and offers views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. In October 2019, he listed the entire estate for $12 million.
Early Life
Lars Ulrich was born on 26 December 1963 in Gentofte, Denmark, to Lone and tennis player Torben Ulrich. His paternal grandfather, Einer Ulrich, was a tennis player, and his grandmother, Ulla Meyer, was Jewish. Dexter Gordon was his godfather, and he is a childhood friend of Neneh Cherry.
At age 9, he attended a Deep Purple concert, sparking his music career. He started playing drums at 12, initially pursuing tennis. After discovering Diamond Head, he formed Metallica with James Hetfield in 1981.
Career
In 1981, Lars Ulrich met James Hetfield in Downey, California, and they formed Metallica after Ulrich secured a spot on the Metal Massacre compilation. The band name came from a friend, Ron Quintana, who suggested Metallica for his fanzine.
Ulrich pioneered fast thrash drum beats on early songs like “Metal Militia” (Kill ‘Em All), “Fight Fire with Fire” (Ride the Lightning), and “Battery” (Master of Puppets). Influential for his techniques, Ulrich later simplified his drumming style and reduced his kit to a 7-piece.
Personal life
Lars Ulrich‘s first marriage was to Debbie Jones in 1988, but they divorced in 1990 during the Black Album recordings. His second marriage was to Skylar Satenstein, an emergency medicine physician, from 1997 to 2004, with two sons. After their divorce, he dated Danish actress Connie Nielsen from 2004 to 2012, having one child.
He married fashion model Jessica Miller in 2015. Ulrich is friends with Noel Gallagher and was inspired to quit cocaine. He also has a passion for fine art and resides in San Francisco, California.
Does Lars Ulrich have a disability?
Lars Ulrich revealed in 2009 that he suffers from tinnitus due to many years of touring without using any auditory protection. He resides in San Francisco, California.
Conclusion
Lars Ulrich’s journey from a young boy inspired by Deep Purple in Copenhagen to a globally recognized musician and the richest member of Metallica is a tale of passion, dedication, and hard work. His influence extends beyond drumming, shaping the world of rock and heavy metal. As Metallica continues to make its mark, Lars Ulrich remains a central figure in this ongoing legacy.
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FAQs about Lars Ulrich Net Worth
- How did Lars Ulrich contribute to Metallica’s success?
- Ulrich co-founded Metallica and has been instrumental in the band’s direction, songwriting, and overall success.
- What are some of Lars Ulrich’s notable achievements outside of Metallica?
- Aside from Metallica, Ulrich has made savvy investments in real estate and art, contributing to his significant net worth.
- How has Lars Ulrich’s drumming style influenced heavy metal?
- His style, while not the most technically complex, perfectly suits Metallica’s sound and has influenced many upcoming drummers in the genre.
- What challenges has Lars Ulrich faced in his career?
- Ulrich has battled tinnitus and hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud music but continues to perform resiliently.
- What makes Lars Ulrich a unique figure in rock music?
- His entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his musical talent and the ability to adapt to the evolving music industry, makes him a unique and influential figure in rock music.
