Metallica co-founder and drummer Lars Ulrich, born December 26, 1963, is nothing less than music industry royalty. To this day, this international star performs with the band he helped found — still by the side of his friend and co-founder James Hetfield. We’ll help you celebrate his special day right here!
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Lars Ulrich
Nickname:
The Little Drummer Boy
Birth date:
December 26, 1963
Age:
60
Zodiac Sign:
Capricorn
Height:
5' 5"
Relationship Status:
Married
Net Worth:
$370 million
Background
Drummer and co-founder of one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time, Lars Ulrich is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honoree who continues to garner respect worldwide.
Ulrich was born on December 26, 1963, in Gentofte, Denmark to Torben and Lone Ulrich — the former being a notable tennis player. His love for drumming was sparked when he received a drum set for his 12th or 13th birthday.
After watching the metal band Diamond Head perform in 1981, Ulrich was inspired to create his own band. He placed an ad in a newspaper to which James Hetfield responded. The duo instantly clicked and formed the band Metallica. The band’s long and illustrious career has seen them win multiple awards, release 10 albums, and be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
As a legendary musician, Ulrich has attracted the attention of the world. In 2012, he was the focus of the documentary film “Mission to Lars,” in which an ill fan travels across the country to meet him at one of his concerts.
The singer leaped acting when he starred in H.B.O’s “Hemingway & Gellhorn” and “Get Him To The Greek” with Jonah Hill and Russel Brand.
A philanthropist with a big heart, Ulrich works with his family to raise funds for the expansion of public health services in America. He once won $32,000 on a celebrity edition of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” for charity.
A lover of pancakes and hanging out with the rich and the famous, Ulrich gave up on having bodyguards early in his career because he enjoys being accessible to his fans.
Ulrich is the father of three children from previous marriages and relationships. He’s currently married to his third wife Jessica Miller.
Career timeline
After being inspired by watching Diamond Head perform, Ulrich puts out an ad for musicians to join the band he was forming.
Pairing up with Metallica accountant Tim Duffy, Ulrich runs an unsuccessful record label, the Music Company.
Along with his Metallica bandmates, Ulrich is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.
Ulrich makes his acting debut in the H.B.O. original film “Hemingway & Gellhorn.”
The documentary “Mission to Lars” focuses on a critically ill fan’s mission to meet Ulrich at one of Metallica’s concerts.
Ulrich begins to host Apple Music’s show “It’s Electric.”
Ulrich continues to write new music for Metallica and perform with his bandmates.
Why We Love Lars Ulrich
He is an activist for public healthcare
Ulrich and his family work hard fighting for the expansion of healthcare in America. He raised $32,000 for the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic of San Francisco, California on a celebrity edition of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”
He is a trendsetter
Pizza without cheese may sound weird to the rest of the world but for Ulrich, it’s setting a trend. He’s not afraid to be different.
He maintains his rich kid image and is not ashamed of it
As the son of a tennis player, Ulrich hung out with rich kids from an early age. To this day, he maintains wealthy friendships and isn’t afraid to flaunt them.
5 Surprising Facts
A romantic rival to Matt Damon
The drummer’s second wife Skylar Satenstein left Damon for Ulrich.
Deep Purple inspired him
Ulrich fell in love with drumming as a 10-year-old when he watched the band Deep Purple performing in 1973.
He loves art
An avid art collector, Ulrich loves art and sold one of his paintings for more than $ 13 million.
Pancakes are his favorite
The way to Ulrich’s heart is through his stomach, and the treat sure to brighten up his day is a stack of pancakes.
He enjoys being accessible to his fans
Ulrich let his bodyguards go because he didn't want a barrier between him and his fans.
Lars Ulrich FAQs
Is Lars Ulrich still with Metallica?
After briefly leaving the band in 2013, Ulrich returned to Metallica and continues to work on new music with his bandmates.
What is Lars Ulrich’s real name?
‘Lars Ulrich’ is his real name.
Is Lars Ulrich married?
Ulrich married his third wife, Jessica Miller, in 2015.
Lars Ulrich’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | December 26 | Thursday |
2025 | December 26 | Friday |
2026 | December 26 | Saturday |
2027 | December 26 | Sunday |
2028 | December 26 | Tuesday |