Les Claypool, renowned bass virtuoso and Primus frontman, reveals details of his unsuccessful 1986 audition for Metallica following Cliff Burton’s tragic death. Despite his high school connection to guitarist Kirk Hammett, Claypool admits he misjudged the band’s vibe during the tryout.

The Awkward Audition Moment

Claypool describes playing a couple of songs before suggesting a detour. “We played a song or two, and I said, ‘Hey, you guys want to jam on some Isley Brothers?’ Nobody laughed,” he recalls. The bassist notes the volume overwhelmed him initially. “Goddamn, this is loud!” was his first reaction after drummer Lars Ulrich commented, “You’re not really used to this kind of music, are you?”

Claypool acknowledges he didn’t mesh with the group. “I can’t really remember what songs we played, but I didn’t fit in, that was really obvious,” he states.

Personality Clash and Hetfield’s Take

James Hetfield later explained the decision diplomatically: “He was too good.” Claypool dismisses this, insisting style differences sealed his fate. Sporting a blonde Mohawk, baggy skater pants, and mismatched tennis shoes, he contrasted sharply with the band’s long hair and tight pants.

“No, it wasn’t that – I just didn’t fit in,” Claypool asserts. He confronted Hetfield, who laughed and agreed: “I told him he was full of it… And he just laughed, because it was true. I wouldn’t have fit.”

Rejection Sparks Primus Success

The setback propelled Claypool toward Primus. With guitarist Ler LaLonde and drummer Tim Alexander, the trio released Suck On This in 1989 and Frizzle Fry in 1990, securing a major Interscope deal in 1991 and cementing their legacy in alternative rock.