Lars Ulrich

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

Lars's Social Media:

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

1981
He Founds Metallica

After being inspired by watching Diamond Head perform, Ulrich puts out an ad for musicians to join the band he was forming.

1998 — 2002
He Runs a Record Label

Pairing up with Metallica accountant Tim Duffy, Ulrich runs an unsuccessful record label, the Music Company.

2009
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Along with his Metallica bandmates, Ulrich is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.

2011
He Makes his Acting Debut

Ulrich makes his acting debut in the H.B.O. original film “Hemingway & Gellhorn.”

2012
He’s the Star of a Documentary

The documentary “Mission to Lars” focuses on a critically ill fan’s mission to meet Ulrich at one of Metallica’s concerts.

2017
He Becomes a Show Host

Ulrich begins to host Apple Music’s show “It’s Electric.”

2022
He’s Still Working on New Music

Ulrich continues to write new music for Metallica and perform with his bandmates.

Why We Love Lars Ulrich

  1. 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?”

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  1. A romantic rival to Matt Damon

    The drummer’s second wife Skylar Satenstein left Damon for Ulrich.

  2. 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.

  3. He loves art

    An avid art collector, Ulrich loves art and sold one of his paintings for more than $ 13 million.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

YearDateDay
2024December 26Thursday
2025December 26Friday
2026December 26Saturday
2027December 26Sunday
2028December 26Tuesday

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