Lars Ulrich, drummer of legendary rock band Metallica, recently discussed the importance of maintaining physical fitness for the band’s continued touring. He shared these insights in an interview on California Film Institute.
Staying in peak physical condition has become essential for Metallica to compete with younger bands and maintain their relevance on stage. Ulrich explained how the demands of rock and roll differ fundamentally from traditional sports, where athletes typically retire in their thirties or forties.
“Long story short, I just put a lot more work into it now than I ever used to,” Ulrich said. “Growing up in sports and athletics, I’ve always had a part of that with me in my approach to drumming, for better or worse.”
Ulrich drew a comparison to his father’s tennis career. He noted that professional athletes in traditional sports typically peak in their twenties and face retirement discussions by their mid-thirties. However, rock and roll operates differently, with no age-based divisions or senior circuits.
“With rock and roll, that’s not applicable,” Ulrich continued. “So you’re just out there, in our early sixties, competing against the guys and gals that are in their twenties and thirties, and so you gotta kind of be at the top of your game.”
Metallica’s approach now includes lifestyle modifications, preventative injury care, and careful management of physical demands. Ulrich also noted that the concept of aging rock musicians performing into their sixties and seventies would have been unthinkable when Metallica started. Today’s landscape differs dramatically, with artists like Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger continuing to tour.
“When we started, there was nobody in rock and roll in their fifties and sixties,” Ulrich reflected. “That was almost the antithesis to what rock and roll represented.”
Behind Ulrich’s candid remarks lies a comprehensive fitness strategy that has become essential for Metallica’s survival as a touring band. The band’s commitment to physical conditioning reflects a broader shift in how veteran rock musicians approach their careers in an era where retirement is no longer mandatory.
Louder Sound reported that Ulrich predicted Metallica has approximately ten years remaining as a touring band at their current level of intensity. This timeline is contingent on maintaining their health and fitness, underscoring the urgency with which the band approaches their physical conditioning regimen.
Ulrich’s fitness routine is notably rigorous and multifaceted. Metal Injection revealed that the drummer incorporates intense daily workouts utilizing a Peloton bike, swimming, and yoga. These activities maintain the endurance and stamina required for Metallica’s high-energy performances. His commitment extends beyond simple exercise. VegNews noted that Ulrich follows a meticulously planned diet heavy on lean proteins and plant-based options, including a notable amount of tofu. This approach supports muscle maintenance and metabolic health.
The band’s commitment to physical readiness extends across all members. Loudwire documented that bassist Robert Trujillo combines stretching, physical therapy, and light gym workouts to prepare for concerts. This illustrates the overall comprehensive approach Metallica takes to physical readiness. Each band member manages their own physical demands differently based on their age and role in the band.
Metallica’s touring and performance schedules have also been adjusted to allow sufficient recovery time. This reflects the realities of aging musicians undertaking physically taxing shows. The band’s strategic approach to tour scheduling, combined with their rigorous fitness regimens and disciplined nutrition, demonstrates how veteran rock bands can sustain their legendary energy on stage well into their sixties. For Metallica, staying fit is not merely a lifestyle choice—it is the difference between continuing to perform at the highest level and stepping away from the stage entirely.
