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Metallica: Strategic Frameworks and the Business of Heavy Metal
A speculative exploration of how Metallica implemented business strategies in their pursuit of fame and glory.
Metallica — a literal demonstration in the business of music.
In 2004, Metallica released their documentary film Some Kind of Monster. The film explores a surprisingly vulnerable band working through their interpersonal differences with the direction of a therapist.
Included are scenes of their hotly debated but seldom praised 8th studio album St. Anger.
Lars Ulrich, the band’s drummer and full-time visionary, had a father named Torben. Torben was a renowned tennis player, author, and artist. He was also a noted Metallica critic — if a particular scene in the film is any guide.
Torben Ulrich effectively summed up the public sentiment for St. Anger when he suggested to his son that if assigned the role of advisor to the band:
I would say delete that. I mean, I don’t know for you guys, but for me, it doesn’t cut it.
It’s a scene that is both cutting and unintentionally comedic. Commendations to Metallica for airing their internal dysfunction more effectively than anyone else dared.
