Rolling Stone featured Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett’s recent revelation about an emotional moment during the band’s collaboration with Lou Reed.
“That album [‘Lulu’] means so much to me for a number of reasons. The lyrics are amazing,” Hammett said. “It’s poetry from track to track. I’m a huge Lou Reed fan. To be able to hang out with him and work with him musically meant so much.”
“The track ‘Junior Dad’ — I can’t listen to it, man. Brings me to tears,” he continued. “I remember when Lou said, ‘I have a song for you, and I want this to be on the album.’ And he played it for James and I. By the end of the song, I looked at James, and James looked at me. We both had tears in our eyes.”
Hammett described the moment Reed discovered them in the kitchen. “Then Lou Reed came in and saw us both crying in the kitchen. He’s smiling, and he said, ‘I got you, didn’t I?'” Hammett shared.
The album’s emotional impact originated from its profound artistic foundation and distinctive creative approach.
Wikipedia documented that ‘Lulu’ drew inspiration from two plays by German playwright Frank Wedekind: ‘Erdgeist (Earth Spirit)’ and ‘Pandora’s Box.’ These works delve into complex themes of desire, abuse, and the tragic character of Lulu.
Loudwire revealed that the recording took place from April to June 2011 at Metallica’s headquarters in San Rafael, California. The project featured Reed delivering most lyrics in spoken-word format. Metallica provided the instrumental compositions.
LouReedMetallica.com highlighted the project’s unconventional nature, which sparked divided reactions upon release. The album stands as a significant artistic achievement for both Metallica and Lou Reed. It demonstrates their commitment to creative exploration.
The fusion of Reed’s poetic narratives with Metallica’s instrumental mastery created a distinctive musical experience. This artistic combination continues to evoke powerful emotional responses, as shown by Hammett’s recent disclosures.
