Torben Ulrich, the father of Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, has died at the age of 95.
Lars broke the sad news on instagram on Wednesday (December 20), writing the following:
“Torben Ulrich: 1928-2023. 95 years of adventures, unique experiences, curiosity, pushing limits, challenging the status quo, tennis, music, art, writing… and quite a bit of Danish contrarian attitude. Infinite thanks! I love you dad”.
Metallica fans will recognize Torben from his memorable appearance at the band's show. some kind of monster documentary film. In the film, Ulrich, his senior, was invited to the recording studio to hear an early version of the material that would become the 2003 album. Saint Wrath. When asked his opinion after listening to a snippet of a song, Torben uttered his now famous line: “I would delete that.”
Lars has described his father as Metallica's biggest fan and critic.
“I think he appreciates Metallica, especially when we're bold and a little unorthodox, when we play weird side tempos… He appreciates that side,” Lars said in a 2017 interview with SoundBox (transcribed by The best guitar). “When we play a little straighter and more confident, he raises an eyebrow.”
Torben was born in Copenhagen in 1928 and had a successful career as a semi-professional and then professional tennis player, competing in over 100 Davis Cup matches for his home country of Denmark. In addition to his athletic achievements, Torben was also a multidisciplinary artist: he wrote poetry, performed and recorded music (he released an album at age 92), acted, made films, and more.
While the young Lars Ulrich had similar prospects for success as a tennis player, Torben, who kept the company of hard bop greats such as Dexter Gordon (Lars' godfather), also encouraged his son to pursue music and make his own decisions. .
“I grew up in as open an upbringing as you can imagine,” Lars said in a 1995 interview. [via Blabbermouth]. “Americans would consider it spoiled. But I was very independent. I had nothing to bind me. At the same time, anything I wanted I had to get myself.”
Below you can re-watch Torben's iconic appearance in some kind of monster and see the tribute to Lars on social media.
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