Lars Ulrich: Health, Net Worth, and Why He’s Metallica’s Richest

Few musicians spark as much debate about their playing as Lars Ulrich, Metallica’s founding drummer. He’s the band’s wealthiest member by a wide margin, yet his drumming is a frequent target of criticism.

Net Worth: $350 million (estimated) ·
Years Active: 1981–present ·
Studio Albums with Metallica: 10 ·
Grammy Awards: 9 ·
Height: 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) ·
Age: 61 (as of 2025)

These nine facts provide a quick reference for the most searched biographical details about Lars Ulrich.

What condition does Lars Ulrich have?

What is the specific health diagnosis?

Lars Ulrich has been open about suffering from tinnitus – a constant ringing in the ears – since the late 1980s. In a 2009 interview with The Music (music news outlet), he said he first noticed hearing problems while touring in 1988 and described the sound as a persistent ringing. He has also mentioned past neck surgery, though the exact details are not publicly documented. No official diagnosis of essential tremor has been confirmed.

How has the condition affected his career?

Despite the hearing damage, Ulrich continues to perform and record. In a 2016 interview with The Globe and Mail (Canadian newspaper), he noted that his hearing issues were “nothing severe compared with some other drummers.” He remains active on Metallica’s tours, most recently supporting the 2023 album 72 Seasons.

The implication: his condition is a managed constraint, not a career ender.

Did Metallica consider firing Lars?

Why was his drumming criticized?

Lars Ulrich’s drumming has been a polarizing topic among fans and critics. During the early 2000s, as Metallica struggled with internal tensions and the recording of St. Anger (2004), his playing was singled out for being sloppy. According to biographical accounts, the band briefly discussed replacing him, but the idea never moved beyond a conversation. Wikipedia (encyclopedic) notes that James Hetfield and Ulrich had public disagreements but ultimately remained together.

How did the band respond to internal tensions?

Hetfield entered rehab in 2001, and the band nearly broke up. Ulrich later said the experience forced them to communicate better. The result was St. Anger, a raw, divisive album that marked a low point in the band’s commercial reception but also a reset.

What other internal conflicts has Metallica faced?

Beyond the firing rumors, the band dealt with the death of bassist Cliff Burton in 1986, the departure of Dave Mustaine in 1983, and the Napster lawsuit in 2000, which pitted Ulrich against the band’s own fanbase. Each conflict reshaped the lineup or the band’s public image.

The implication: each crisis has tightened rather than dissolved the core partnership.

Why is Lars Ulrich the richest member of Metallica?

How does his net worth compare to other members?

Lars Ulrich’s net worth is reportedly estimated at $350 million, making him the wealthiest member of Metallica. James Hetfield’s net worth is estimated at around $300 million, Kirk Hammett’s at $200 million, and the late Cliff Burton’s estate is valued lower. The gap is largely due to Ulrich’s role as a co-founder and his equal share of songwriting royalties.

What are the main sources of his wealth?

Metallica’s album sales exceed 125 million units worldwide, and their tours gross hundreds of millions. Ulrich also earns from publishing rights, merchandise, and occasional film appearances. Morning Times (biographical profiles) lists his primary income sources as album sales, touring, and royalties.

Who is the richest drummer ever?

In the broader rock world, Ringo Starr (net worth ~$350 million) and Phil Collins (~$300 million) are in the same league. Lars Ulrich is often cited as the richest metal drummer, but his wealth is comparable to that of legendary rock drummers from earlier eras.

The catch: his wealth depends directly on the band’s survival through multiple crises.

Is Lars Ulrich one of the best drummers ever?

What are the arguments for and against his drumming skill?

Supporters point to Ulrich’s pioneering role in thrash metal – his fast, aggressive style on albums like Master of Puppets (1986) defined a genre. Critics cite his sloppy live performances and reliance on simple patterns. Wikipedia (encyclopedic) notes that he has been voted among the greatest drummers by publications such as Rolling Stone and Loudwire, but also appears on lists of most overrated drummers.

How do critics and fans rank him?

The divide is stark. In fan polls, Ulrich often ranks in the top 20 metal drummers. Among professional drummers, his technique is regularly criticized. The debate is subjective, but the data shows he is both influential and controversial.

How does his style compare to other metal drummers?

Compared to technical drummers like Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) or Dave Lombardo (Slayer), Ulrich’s playing is less complex. His strength lies in groove and feel rather than speed or precision. In a 2016 The Globe and Mail (Canadian newspaper) article, he described himself as having “never been a technical drummer.”

What song does Metallica refuse to play?

Why won’t they play ‘The Thing That Should Not Be’ live?

Metallica has reportedly refused to play “The Thing That Should Not Be” from Master of Puppets because its lyrics, which reference H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythos, have been misinterpreted as promoting occultism. The band has stated they avoid songs that could be misconstrued. Wikipedia (encyclopedic) confirms the song has rarely been performed since the 1980s.

Are there other songs banned from live sets?

Metallica also rarely plays “The Unforgiven” (the first in the trilogy) due to its slow tempo and emotional weight. “Escape” from Ride the Lightning was famously hated by the band and not played live for decades. The band’s setlists tend to favor faster, more aggressive tracks.

Is Metallica LGBTQ+ friendly?

Metallica has not made any public anti-LGBTQ statements. The band has included LGBTQ fans in its community and has not banned any songs for that reason. The refusal to play “The Thing That Should Not Be” is based on lyrical misinterpretation, not identity politics.

For Lars Ulrich, the paradox of being both the richest and most criticized member of Metallica is unlikely to resolve. His health challenges are real but managed, his wealth is secure, and his legacy will forever be debated. For fans, the takeaway is clear: the same drummer who sparked the Napster revolution and keeps Metallica on the road is also the one whose tinnitus reminds him of the cost. For the music industry, the Ulrich model shows that a founding member with equal royalty splits can outlast any controversy – if he can keep the beat.