Ben Apatoff
![Robert Trujillo’s Childhood: Metallica Bassist’s First 72 Seasons](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2022/12/attachment-robert-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Robert Trujillo’s Childhood: Metallica Bassist’s First 72 Seasons
He initially wanted to be a drummer, then a keyboardist before he found his calling.
![Jason Newsted’s Childhood: Metallica Bassist’s First 72 Seasons](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2022/12/attachment-jason-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Jason Newsted’s Childhood: Metallica Bassist’s First 72 Seasons
Raised on a farm, the bassist's life changed when a classmate introduced him to the music of Kiss.
![Kirk Hammett’s Childhood: Metallica Guitarist’s First 72 Seasons](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2022/12/attachment-kirk-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Kirk Hammett’s Childhood: Metallica Guitarist’s First 72 Seasons
Future rock star found refuge from his traumatic upbringing in comics and music.
![Cliff Burton’s Childhood: Metallica Bassist’s First 72 Seasons](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2022/12/attachment-cliff.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Cliff Burton’s Childhood: Metallica Bassist’s First 72 Seasons
A tragic experience as a teen led to an unshakable determination to be the best.
![James Hetfield’s Childhood: Metallica Star’s First 72 Seasons](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2022/12/attachment-james.jpg?w=980&q=75)
James Hetfield’s Childhood: Metallica Star’s First 72 Seasons
A religious upbringing, alienated school life and the loss of his mother all played a role in the future frontman's formative years.
![Lars Ulrich’s Childhood: Metallica Drummer’s First 72 Seasons](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2022/12/attachment-lars.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Lars Ulrich’s Childhood: Metallica Drummer’s First 72 Seasons
Before he had the chops, the songs or the bandmates, he had the drive.
![40 Years Ago: James Hetfield Plays First Metallica Show on Guitar](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2022/05/attachment-GettyImages-75944516.jpg?w=980&q=75)
40 Years Ago: James Hetfield Plays First Metallica Show on Guitar
Band played at Lars Ulrich's Back Bay High School, set up on cafeteria stage typically used for plays.
![40 Years Ago: Metallica’s Five-Piece Lineup Plays Their Only Show](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2022/04/attachment-Metallica5Piece.jpg?w=980&q=75)
40 Years Ago: Metallica’s Five-Piece Lineup Plays Their Only Show
After just one show, second guitarist Brad Parker vanished from Metallica's lineup.