In a recent Instagram post, Matt Sorum talked about Lars Ulrich’s role in his Gun N’ Roses gig.
“Happy Belated Birthday to Lars Ulrich, I think I’ve expressed how much this guy means to me,” the musician wrote in the caption of his post, sharing a photo with the Metallica drummer. “We’ve been friends 36 years now since The Cult opened for Metallica on The Justice for All tour in 1989.
He continued, “He immediately opened his arms to me and invited me into Metallica world. When I made the move to GNR he was very instrumental in that as well. But as a friend he’s there for highs and lows. He reached out when my father passed as I did when his passed. Basically a good guy all around and true friend beyond the music.”
Lars’ father Torben Ulrich passed away at 95 last year. At the time, Sorum shared his condolences for Ulrich, writing, “Your relationship with your Dad was always inspiring to me. Thank you for sharing him with the world. Condolences to the entire Ulrich family.”
This isn’t the first time Sorum wished a happy birthday to Ulrich, via VOI. In 2020, he again shared a message on Instagram, writing, “Happy birthday to my 31-year-old pal Lars Ulrich. We met when The Cult opened their Justice For All tour and spent many nights on the road together living the rock n ‘roll life.”
The rocker added, “The Cult had almost 6 months on that tour and the adventure was crazy and (the memories) are still with me to this day. That we stayed close because Lars gave Slash my number to get into GN’R. Of course GNR epic tour., and the legendary Metallica stadium tour. Besides all the most important music awards he’s always there as a friend.”
In 1989, Slash saw Sorum perform with The Cult on the Sonic Temple tour. Soon after, Sorum replaced Steven Adler in Guns N’ Roses. In 1997, Axl Rose fired Sorum after a dispute over Paul Tobias joining the band.
