Metallica is originally from Los Angeles, California, United States, where they were formed in 1981 by Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield, but they have been based in San Francisco for most of their career.
Origins in Los Angeles
- The band was formed in Los Angeles in 1981 by drummer Lars Ulrich, who is Danish, and vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield, who is Californian.
- Their earliest practices took place in Ron McGovney's garage in Norwalk, a suburb of Los Angeles.
Relocation to San Francisco
- Metallica moved to San Francisco in the early 1980s after convincing bassist Cliff Burton to join, as San Francisco better fit their musical style and ambitions.
- The band has been associated with the San Francisco Bay Area ever since, and that city is often considered their main home base.
Band Members' Backgrounds
- While Lars Ulrich is originally from Denmark and moved to America as a teenager, the other founding members were from California.
- The band itself is regarded as an American heavy metal band, not a European one.
In summary, Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California, but their main home is considered San Francisco, California.