Lars Ulrich revealed how Metallica created the Snake Pit at its concerts and how the band decided to continue using it.
Metallica fans have been aware of the special area in front of the stage since the band released its 1991 album, "Black Album." For what it's worth, the band's label and a coiled snake appear on its cover art, giving it the idea of creating an enclosure area during its concerts for an elite group of fans and VIPs.
Lars Ulrich Shares Inspiration Behind Metallica's Snake Pit
During his interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe (via Rolling Stone), the Metallica drummer shared the story behind the Snake Pit, which the band has been continuously using at concerts.
Per Ulrich, they decided to create the special space after being inspired by a restaurant business.
"One of our managers back in New York in the late Eighties/early Nineties [had] the idea that when you would go to a restaurant that, the best seat in the restaurant was actually not in the house - [it] was in the kitchen," Ulrich said. "So in crazy, cool restaurants, if you could somehow get into the kitchen and eat in the kitchen, you were in there where all the action was."
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With that, Metallica decided to create its own space for the best seat, launching a diamond-shaped area where 30 to 40 individuals can take a seat and watch the band's whole performance from.
The drummer said that the Snake Pit usually caters to radio contest winners, family, friends, and die-hard rock fans.
He noted that the tradition has been up for 30 years and has since played an integral role during Metallica's indoor shows. As of press time, the Snake Pit can hold 900 to 1,200 people, depending on the local fire marshal's rules.
As for Metallica's ongoing M72 world tour, fans can avail of a spot on the Snake Pit from a whopping $1,038 to $4,398.
Ex-Metallica Member Slams Lars Ulrich's Haters
Amid Metallica's success, Ulrich has been receiving hate comments for drumming in the band. The hate intensified following the release of "72 Seasons," but the band's ex-bassist Jason Newsted stood in defense of the drummer.
He told Dean Delray in a new interview that fans who call Ulrich underwhelming have no idea what they are talking about. He also defended the drummer by saying he is ahead of everyone in most things, so he does not deserve to be hated.
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