JM: I’m a journalist and author based near London in the UK and write for a bunch of music and film magazines. Justice For All: The Truth About Metallica was my sixth book: since then I’ve done a few more on QOTSA, the Chilis, etc. All info is at www.joelmciver.co.uk.

FWMT: When did you first become interested in Metallica?

JM: Relatively late: when I was 16 the Garage Days EP came out and blew my mind. Buddies of mine had already introduced me to the glories of Puppets and the earlier albums but the EP was the first one I actually went out and bought as a fan. Before that my musical heroes were the Beatles and the Smiths (and still are) but Metallica opened my eyes to a whole new world – metal!

FWMT: What is your favourite Metallica album and song?

JM: Puppets/Disposable Heroes or KEA/Motorbreath, depending on my mood!

FWMT:Do you own any cool memorabilia etc, and if so, what is you favourite?

JM: I have some rare interview promo CDs from the Load era.

FWMT: The early years of Metallica covered in your book are extremely detailed. How did you manage to compile the history of Metallica up to 1991 with such detail?

JM: Largely from my own interviews with the 75 or so musicians/fans/writers who were there at the time. It’s the only way to be truly credible.

FWMT: You are quite critical of the Load era, and a little less-so of St Anger (but still critical). Do you feel that these albums are sub-par by Metallica’s standard, or would they be sub-par no matter who created them?

JM: Good question. The former. If a pop-metal act such as (say) Linkin Park came out with an album like St Anger I’d be pleasantly surprised. Load has its moments but along with Reload and St A there are far too many average moments for such a great set of musicians and songwriters.

FWMT: In the later history of Metallica you are less detailed than in the first half. Is this because this information is more readily available, or did you intend to only focus on the major events (album releases, Napster, Jason’s departure).

JM: Neither – it’s because I’m much less interested in what they did after the Black Album. Mega tour followed by average album followed by mega tour and average album. Boring! The Tallica story only gets interesting again with Napster in 2000.

FWMT: When reviewing S&M, you did not mention much about the new songs, -Human and No Leaf Clover. How would you rate these songs?

JM: Human is dull but I like NLC a lot. I probably should have given them more credit for that song and the album as a whole, I think it’s not bad.

FWMT: Has the feature movie Some Kind Of Monster changed your opinion about Metallica in general or St Anger specifically. I have read your review from Total Rock Magazine, and it was not too shining?

JM: I think you mean Classic Rock or Total Film – I reviewed it for both mags. I really, really liked the movie and regained quite a lot of respect for them after seeing it. It was so brave of them to leave it unedited like that. But I don’t forgive St. A any more because they were going through some bad times – it’s still shit!

FWMT: I’m interested in your view of the St Anger period and SKOM in particular. If you were still writing Justice For All: The Truth About Metallica, do you think this would have changed the tone of the book, and perhaps added quite a few more chapters?

JM: Actually I’ve just updated the book for a paperback release in January 2006, it has a whole new chapter dedicated to the movie.

FWMT: Would you even consider writing a second volume in another 10 years or so covering the Metallica eras occurring after you book?

JM: See my previous answer but yes, I’ll always update it on the publisher’s request. It’s done really well for them and I think they want to keep it alive for as many years as possible.

FWMT:With time, many people’s impressions of Phil Towle (including my own) have softened. I now respect the service he provided to all Metallica fans by helping them in a profound way. What do you think of Phil and his role within the band?

JM: I agree with you, he’s worthy of our respect. What did it for me was reading Joe Berlinger’s book about the movie – he explains a lot about Towle and throws most of the events in the film in a whole new light. I recommend that book to anyone reading this, it’s excellent.

FWMT: In the introduction, you talk about the inaccuracies of some Metallica-related articles you have read. Do any glaring errors stand out in your memory (I’ve read some that have made me laugh out loud!)

JM: Yes – ‘Metallica invented death metal’ was a good one!

FWMT: You state that your purposefully did not seek permission to write this biography, as it may have stifled you ability to tell it as you see it. With the way SKOM has turned out, if you were offered the job of writing an official biography, would you take it, since they seem cool with showing their history and lives with all the ugliness as well as the glory.

JM: This will never happen as I’m a) British and b) too young – I’m 34, so I missed out on the early days – but it’s a nice fantasy! Sure I’d do it, on the understanding that I had editorial control of what went in it and wasn’t forced to write ‘St Anger and Reload are just as good as Ride The Lightning’ etc.

FWMT: With the interviews you conducted for the book, were most of them specifically about Metallica, or did you add Metallica-based questions on to the end of other interviews for the magazines you write for? Specifically I am interested in a few of the more high-profile interviewees, such as Gene Simmons.

JM: About half and half. The Gene Simmons interview was for a mag called Record Collector, some of the others were for Terrorizer, Metal Hammer, Classic Rock etc. The rest I contacted independently and requested interviews, usually by email.

FWMT: Did you ever have the pleasure of interviewing Cliff, or are you too young to have had the privilege?

JM: I wish! No, he died when I was only 15. I’ve interviewed Jason and Lars and liked them both, though.

FWMT: Many articles on Cliff, and your book as well, paint Cliff in a very favourable light, and deservedly so. Do you think this can be attributed to “posthumous perfection” or do you think he was generally a great guy in every way?

JM: There is probably some posthumous glorification going on, but by and large he seems to have been a genuinely likeable and talented guy. I really wish he’d lived.

FWMT: You postulate that the band may not have gone down the path of “Metallica” and the Load’s if Cliff had lived (“A metal head to the core, the softer direction they ultimately took after his death might not have been to his liking) . . . I personally believe that the new direction was initiated indirectly by Cliff, in that he opened James’ and Lars’ eyes to the different types of musical composition, rather than just thrash. Obviously the result would have differed, but the styles may well have been the same. To support this argument, Cliff himself said in Cliff ‘Em All that they’ll play what they like (in reference to fans not liking the less thrashy songs from RTL and MOP compared to KEM). Do you think Cliff would have kept them more underground, or would he have just influenced the Loads to be even better (or maybe even listenable, depending on your point of view).

JM: Good question again. I don’t really like to speculate what would have happened if he’d lived because so many possible avenues could have opened up, but I think the Black Album would still have happened followed by their rise to glory. But I don’t think he would have taken the Loads’ bluesy/alt.rock direction: I think he would have gone down the Kyuss/Electric Wizard stoner route – and my God how cool would that have been?

FWMT: You deride Metallica’s choice to play the Ministry of Sound as it is a dance venue. Don’t you think it was an amazing concert (I have part of it on DVD) since it is a small enough venue to keep fans close to the band, with the facilities to make a really high-fidelity show?

JM: Maybe I came across too harshly there, I don’t have a problem with that venue. My only reservation is that maybe they tried to find a ‘trendy’ place to play to impress the media… but who knows if that is correct.

FWMT: Given the nature of “Junglessence” and the style of music created by Infectious Grooves and Suicidal Tendencies, what influence do you think Rob will have on the new album?

JM: I hope it’s a lot, but my instinct tells me it probably won’t be that much. He won’t be allowed to do anything funky, but I don’t think that would suit Metallica anyway. I just hope he pushes them to greater heaviness and speed.

FWMT: After seeing James turmoil and transformation on SKOM, do you think Lars’ recent personal life has taken a similar course?

JM: No. I had a long interview – 90 mins – with Lars six months ago for Metal Hammer magazine and he was quite open about his personal life. James had a major life issue to deal with and Lars didn’t, although obviously he’s had marital problems and the anxiety attack before Download to deal with. But Lars comes from a stable background and has therefore had an easier life than James.

FWMT: Being a reporter for a bass magazine, could you tell us the aspects of each bassist from Cliff, Jason, and Rob that you like and dislike?

JM: Oh, don’t get me started! I could talk for hours about this. The good things in bullet points: Cliff – classical/punk fusion and thinking outside the box in musical terms; Jason – rock-solid reliability and commitment; Rob – incredible technical ability and precision and of course the amazing funk groove. There’s nothing I dislike about any of them. Jason could have been more inventive but then again, we all know he wasn’t allowed to be!

FWMT: You give Dave Mustaine fair representation in your book. I get the impression you like him (unlike some Metallica fans – something I can’t understand myself since his music is great and intense). How did you find his scene in SKOM?

JM: I do like him although sometimes I think he’s too quick to blame others for his own problems. His scene was tantalisingly short. In the new paperback edition there is a long section on this very subject, with direct info from Lars, Dave and Joe Berlinger, all told to me personally. (Now there’s a nice plug!)

Joel McIver - Chat Session - September 24 2005 - hosted by www.4horsemensite.com

People participating in this chat:
Joel McIver - Author of Justice For All: The Truth About Metallica (www.joelmciver.co.uk) 
Whiteiris: Chapter Head of For Whom Metallica Tolls
Pharmer4: Webmaster of ForWhomMetallicaTolls.org.ru
Axl409: Webmaster of www.4horsemensite.com
Stitches: Member of For Whom Metallica Tolls
GeenHellBilly: Member of www.4horsemensite.com
Demisjes: Member of www.4horsemensite.com

Joel_McIver: Good evening headbangers.
Pharmer4: Hey joel, welcome.
axl409: Welcome Mr McIver.
Joel_McIver: Yo yo yo!
demisjes: Hello Joel.
Joel_McIver: Hello all!
Stitches: Hi.
whiteiris: Hey.
Joel_McIver: Sorry i'm a bit late fellows.
axl409: That's fine.
Joel_McIver: Had to take my kid to the park!
demisjes: That's also important.
axl409: Welcome to the 4 horsemen chat.
Joel_McIver: thanks! And thanks for inviting me.
axl409: And thank you for taking the time to answer questions from the fans.
Pharmer4: No probs Joel. Now just to get things rolling, to begin we will have people ask a question, and wait for Joel to answer.
axl409: Yes, one at a time please.
Joel_McIver: Ask away! You guys all in Australia?
Stitches: No.
demisjes: I am in Holland.
Stitches: Estonia here
whiteiris: Australia.
Joel_McIver: cool -- a multinational chat!

Stitches: Are you still a fan of Metallica?
Joel_McIver: Yes, I love Metallica and always will. . . despite their sucky recent work!
Pharmer4: As far as sucky recet work, that is obviously an opinion. You said that anyone who likes load and reload is either young, a diehard fan, or something else i can't remember (ignorant maybe) - now i like them and fall into neither, as i can always see their failings, but i still like load and reload. Sometimes some stuff makes me cringe a bit - like when i have the ipod on shuffle and mama said follows damage inc. . .
Joel_McIver: I was quite critical of the Loads, perhaps too much -- but they are lower quality than the other albums, that's for sure.
Stitches: Even kill em all?
Joel_McIver: kill em all is amazing!
demisjes: I agree but i still love them.
Joel_McIver: They have some good songs -- aint my bitch, fuel.
Pharmer4: I think the Loads were "perfected" too much. Too much thinking and not enough instict, but still good shit
Joel_McIver: I disagree, I think the loads were badly written.
demisjes: It's just different style of music.
Joel_McIver: yes, a bad one! :)

demisjes: How does your book differ from the good the bad and ugly book?
Joel_McIver: My book differs from the GB&U book because it's unofficial and therefore has a critical viewpoint which they don't have.

Pharmer4: You said in our interview that you organised the first half of the book with interviews. How did you sort out the reality from the hazy memories of all those different people?
Joel_McIver: I cross-checked the interviews against each other so that the stories correlated. Anything which seemed invented or libellous, I left out.

whiteiris: When you finished the Jutice For All: The Truth About Metallica, were scared how people would take it?
Joel_McIver: No, I wasn't scared -- I was excited! It doesn't matter if reviews are good or bad as long as they are reasonably argued.

Stitches: Has any of the Metallica members seen your book and perhaps commented it?
Joel_McIver: Not that I know of. I interviewed Lars 6 months ago and he didn't mention it. And nor did I!
axl409: Would you like feedback from them?
Joel_McIver: Yes, I'd like feedback but I know I'll never get it

axl409: have you had any emails/letters etc from fans who did not like your book and did you get any that did like your book?
Joel_McIver: I've had 100s of emails
Joel_McIver: Mostly good, some hating me!
axl409: Any ones that stood out?
Joel_McIver: Yes, there are a couple of nice guys with whom I am in regular contact.

whiteiris: If the production on Kill 'Em All was as good as load/reload do you think it would have been as classic as it is?
Joel_McIver: Good question: but I like the production on KEA, it's perfect for its time.
whiteiris: Totally agree.
Joel_McIver: Also I don't think the production is *that* good on the Loads

Stitches: If you have the chance to get to spend a day with one of the Metallica members, who would it be?
Joel_McIver: James -- he's a fascinating character.
Stitches: I thought u'd say so, most people do :P
Joel_McIver: He doesn't say much about himself so it would be more interesting to find that out.
Pharmer4: Hey, i'd go with Kirk, cause i think we have very similar interests.
Joel_McIver: Pharmer4: Kirk would be way cool too
Joel_McIver: Lars talks too much
Pharmer4: YES!
Stitches: I've noticed :D

axl409: Did you genuinely enjoy writing about the later part of Metallicas career that you dislike? or was it more interesting than their early part of their career?
Joel_McIver: Obviously I enjoyed the early days more, but their later story is fascinating -- napster, playboy, jason, rehab, SKOM -- too.

demisjes: Can you please tell me something about James, is he really that relaxed as we recently see him and more open?
Joel_McIver: Yes, rehab and therapy seems to have made a genuine difference to him, but I don't know him personally of course.
demisjes: Of course.
whiteiris: when i chatted with james in jan 2004 he was very relaxed
Joel_McIver: whiteiris, where did you meet him?
whiteiris: ive met them 3 times in melbourne australia: 93, 97, 2004.
Joel_McIver: Cool!
Pharmer4: Demisjes - have you seen James'phots for the simpsons stuff - he looks disconnected, not happy to be there.
Joel_McIver: James also obviously hated the led zep shoot they did.
Pharmer4: Not seen that, when was it?
Joel_McIver: Pharmer: check google/blabbermouth, can't remember but it's hilarious!
axl409: I think the recent simpsons pics were out of context, just my opinion. I'm sure he enjoyed it.
demisjes: I can't tell by the picture actually
Pharmer4: axl - i hope so!
Pharmer4: Joel - there are photos of Whiteiris with all the members from the 2004 show on out chapter site.
Joel_McIver: I will check em out.
whiteiris: All four of them seem very relaxed all doing meet and greet as only Jason or James would come out in past years.
Joel_McIver: I think they are pretty relaxed these days -- the only question is how much energy they have left.

demisjes: Joel do you know how they feel about the fact that their latest album was not well received in the press and some fans?
Joel_McIver:Yes, they rationalised the poor sales of ST.A by saying how 'challenging' it was -- bullshit
Pharmer4: Joel - well, it is challenging, no solos, interesting drum (i genuinely find them interesting, not being fasecious (sp?) here, and the subject matter is quite personal, then there is invisible kids rhyming couplets - yuk
Joel_McIver: If challenging = boring, I agree!;)
Pharmer4: I'm really into lyrics, and the sounds are good, but on repeated listening, they do have similar feels (not the lyrcs, the sound in general)
Joel_McIver: Not sure I understand re lyrics/sounds?
Pharmer4: Joel, sorry, trying to be succinct - Lyrics are VERY interesting, but the music can be a bit repetitive, and even James has said he wishes they have made them shorter.
Joel_McIver: Yes I agree!

Stitches: Do you think Rob will have a huge impact on the new album?
whiteiris: Ithink now with rob in the band we will see it for . . . my opinion 2 albums maybe 3.
Joel_McIver: My fear is that Rob will not be invited to take part in the songwriting, but we'll see. I have massive respect for Rob.
demisjes: I really hopes that just James would take over control again together with and make some good shit again.
Joel_McIver: demisjes: depends what you mean by good shit...
demisjes: Together with lars. Like the classic albums but then more like 2005
Joel_McIver: I'd love to see this but I don't think James has the anger any more.
whiteiris: I hope james goes back to writing all the lyrics!!!
Pharmer4: Some good shit came from collaboration whiteiris, I mean, "My life style determines my death style" came from Kirk
Joel_McIver: That is a good line.
whiteiris: I know but when I write a song it means stuff to me, if i had to sing someone's lyric i wouldn't feel right.
axl409: I'm sure that it will be a full collaborated effort, rob joined the band and immediately he was part of the decision making.
Joel_McIver: What decision making?
axl409: Decision making - the tour, he was a big reason for the constant change up in setlists. There were others but that was a big one.
Joel_McIver: Yes, but this is a minor issue isn't it?
axl409: Not really, since James is the one who was strict about what they could and couldnt play - previously. Rob opened them up.
Pharmer4: I agree with that - given James' need for control, this is a big thing.
Joel_McIver: I think when it comes to the big things -- which riffs to include, the speed/aggression/anger of the music -- Rob will not be included.
axl409: Rob was never a big decision maker in riffs in any of his bands so that could partly be his fault not the band BUT we will see I suppose.
Joel_McIver: What about infectious grooves? ;-)
axl409: Infectious Grooves, granted but that was a while ago and he hasnt been in a smaller type band since.
Joel_McIver: True.
Pharmer4: I think rob is very versatile, and if they continue with collaboration (which apparently they have been doing before each show with jams and shit) it should be interesting.
Joel_McIver: Fingers crossed, yes!

demisjes: Joel how is your life like, are you really interviewing people all day or how does it work?
Joel_McIver: demisjes: I write for 10 magazines, do books, write CD and DVD liner notes plus do some radio and TV so I'm very busy.
demisjes: Seems like a cool life to me.
Joel_McIver: demisjes: thanks! interviewed Old Man's Child yesterday.
Stitches: Joel, would you suggest your job as a potential career choice? Does it pay off?
demisjes: Good question stiches.
Joel_McIver: It depends what you want from your life, but basically yes I would recommend being a music writer -- it's always exciting and you meet very interesting people.
demisjes: Joel who really stood out in the years?
Joel_McIver: You mean, interviewees?
demisjes: Yes.
Joel_McIver: Lemmy, any of Slayer, John Lydon, Tom Jones (yes, that Tom Jones), Michael Hutchence, Jason newsted, hundreds more. Mustaine of course.
Pharmer4: Michael would have been interesting
Joel_McIver: He was a great guy.
Pharmer4: Yeah, interesting how they now have replaced him, not sure how to feel about that.
Joel_McIver: Yep.

Demisjes: Joel can you tell anything more about the Jason issue? or is everything spoken of in the papers/mags?
Joel_McIver: He hasn't really made it clear about the bass being mixed out of AJFA to anyone but me.
Pharmer4: So fill us in!
Joel_McIver: Basically Lars and James mixed the bass right down -- it's all in the book. Lars and James really stabbed him in the back on that one.
axl409: Yes they did, I agree.

axl409: In your opinion, what was Mustaine like to interview?
Joel_McIver: Dave is great to interview, I've spoken to him a few times and he has the best stories -- but he does always blame everyone else for his problems!
axl409: And again i agree!
Pharmer4: He seems quite intelligent
Joel_McIver: Pharmer: he's a very clever guy, I respect him.

Pharmer4: Joe and Bruce have a saying - slay your babies - when deleting great scenes. Did you need to do this with your book?
Joel_McIver: Not really, all my text went in.

demisjes: Joel, I've read the book and it seemed that jason was alienated for some time in the band.
Joel_McIver: Yep, at last 2 or 3 years bafore he left
demisjes: Thats a shame how can you be a band like that I dont get that.
Joel_McIver: Because it paid well and because he was part of the world's best live bands.
demisjes: The metallica train
Pharmer4: Do you think the hazing ever really stopped?
Joel_McIver: Yes, the hazing stopped but they never really treated him as an equal. Kirk too, but he doesn't seem to mind.
demisjes: Kirk's to cool.
Joel_McIver: Yes, it was ridiculous that he didnt get to solo on St.Anger.
axl409: And in my opinion, thank god. Nothing against kirk but the ones that were there werent that good.

Stitches: Did you know that Kirk felt really hurt when Jason left, more than the other guys?
Joel_McIver: Yes, I knew this -- he said it in the press.

whiteiris: When will the extended version of your book come out?
Joel_McIver: January. It has an extra chapter with the movie in it, plus my interviews with Lars and Dave.
axl409: And the interview with lars was 6 months ago?
Joel_McIver: Yes.

Pharmer4: The book did say it would answer some myths about Metallica, but a lot of the myths most hard-core met fans already knew. Was that section more aimed at people just getting into metallica, and the history for the rest of the fans? Also, there is quite a bit of your opinion colouring the myths especially. Are you comfortable with this, being a reporter as well as an author?
Joel_McIver: Yes, exactly, although some of the myths were more 'issues' that I wanted to explore -- eg it's a myth that the black album is the best album they've done, etc.
Joel_McIver: It is a highly opinionated book and I accept that not everybody likes that -- but i felt so strongly about certain issues I HAD to go in hard!!
Pharmer4: Ican respect that. as long as people were expesting opinion as well as the history.
Joel_McIver: Yes.

demisjes: Can you tell me something about how they go through life with such ammount of cash on the bank, they stay a little normal or they show off al the time?
Joel_McIver: They are basically normal guys. remember, They worked hard for their money and deserve respect for that.
Pharmer4: Agreed. People paying them out for having too much money are not being realistic. They earned it, and i hope they DO enjoy every cent.
demisjes: I know but sometimes when i see tv, I see those celebs and I really dislike that kind of behaviouir.

Stitches: Joel, if you have already heard the new Kirk/Santana track, then what did you think of it? If not, then you can listen to it at www.metallica.com.
Joel_McIver: Stitches: I haven't heard the Santana track yet, will download it soon.

Joel_McIver: I have a question for you all: what's your favourite Metallica song?
Pharmer4: Dude, pick an easy question!
Stitches: I can't tell you one song, there's too many.
demisjes: Dyers' eve.
Joel_McIver: hahahaha
demisjes: greaaaaaaaaaaat
Joel_McIver: Pick one, Stitches!
whiteiris: ??????
demisjes: axl?
Joel_McIver: And you whiteiris.
whiteiris: To live is to die.
axl409: It's a tie, battery, god that failed and my world.
Joel_McIver: Great song whiteiris.
axl409: It's all about the mighty riff for me.
Stitches: The unforgiven.
Stitches: Or One.
demisjes: I agree.
Stitches: or sad but true :D
whiteiris: Joel-what is your fav?
Joel_McIver: whiteiris: DISPOSABLE FUCKING HEROES!! hahahahahahaha
whiteiris: Very nice.
Joel_McIver: Gotta be thrash!!
demisjes: Bodies fill the fields!!!
Joel_McIver: Back to the front!
demisjes: Haha.

demisjes: You do this often?
Joel_McIver: First time webchat -- I've done loads of interviews, TV and radio for the book though.

demisjes: Axl do you like Gun'snRoses?
axl409: Yes but not axl rose so no my name doesnt have anything to do with him.

axl409: How succesful has the book been so far?
Joel_McIver: It's been a big international seller, a bestseller in some countries.
Pharmer4: What defines a best seller?
Joel_McIver: Pharmer: on the Top 10/Top 50 etc biggest books at any given point
axl409: your most successful book or another book has that title?
Joel_McIver: Yes, my biggest

whiteiris: Joel name one other thrash band that is not a big name that you like?
Joel_McIver: whiteiris: early death angel, dark angel, tankard.
whiteiris: metal metal metal.
Joel_McIver: I like non-metal too
whiteiris: Same I manage a music store!!!!!!
Joel_McIver: Cool, where's the store?
whiteiris: Deniliquin NSW Australia
demisjes: Guys you should listen to MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, they are really good!!!!!!!

Pharmer4: Do you prefer Metallica or Megadeth?
Joel_McIver: Met every time.
Pharmer4: Still, megadeth would also be an interesting book.
Joel_McIver: Actually I was considered for the official Deth book but Mustaine went with an American writer -- fair enough I guess

GreenHellBilly: Givin' the state of music today, Metallica have become legends IMO, do you feel there are some bands who could be the next Metallica?
Joel_McIver: No-one is in line to replace them IMO; Can't wait for the next Slayer album btw.
axl409: Despite your opinion on their later stuff?
Joel_McIver: Yep.
axl409: I think that says a lot about Metallica.
Joel_McIver: Yes
demisjes: I saw them on fields of rock, i fell asleep is that bad? or was it the weed?
Pharmer4: That is bad demisjes! Joel, because their early stuff is so good?

Stitches: Have you read the New metal Hammer magazine and what Kerry King says about Metallica?
Joel_McIver: Yes I have, it's nothing he hasn't said already to me and loads of other writers, I interviewed him for Total Guitar and he laid into them
Pharmer4: Kerry has some anger for everyone :)
axl409: In your opinion why do you think people like kery king always trash metallica?
Joel_McIver: Kerry has strong opinions, as do mabut Met have many of us -- that's all. But Met have disappointed a lot of people, so it's understandable.
demisjes: They just make music for themselves.
Joel_McIver: True.
axl409: I think critical comments in a constructive manner is ok but the way he and others do it is a bit childish. Just my opinion.
Joel_McIver: Yes, I agree.

GreenHellBilly: Who would you compare them to by todays standards? Alot of people say that BLS is a modern day Black Sabbath. BTW, no worries about the line ;)
Joel_McIver: GHB: good question -- not sure who to compare them with though. BLS are over-rated IMO although Zakk shreds

whiteiris: Thanks for the chat Joel , but I work in a bar also so of to work i go, peace.
demisjes: Bye!
Joel_McIver: Laters!
whiteiris: Abig thanks to phamer4 for getting this together. We must do it all again when the new version of the book comes out, see you on the 4horsemen board, see you.
Joel_McIver: whiteiris: cool -- see you then!
Pharmer4: See you tomorow hup.
axl409: Thanx whiteiris

GreenHellBilly: Metallica is my all time favorite band. What do you feel is more important in a metal band, Lyrics or tempo?
Pharmer4: Iknow what joels'answer will be!
demisjes: Both.
Joel_McIver: GHB: Neither -- the riffs!
axl409: Joel, I agree.
demisjes: haha yes
Joel_McIver: Tempo is not important for a non-extreme band.
Pharmer4: Jame once said that they could have made 2 albums from AJFA with all the riffs (or maybe it was lars, can't check) - do you think this would have been good or bad to water them down? IMO AJFA is great except for the mixing.
Joel_McIver: Bad! I like AJFA too.
Pharmer4: good! (your answer i mean).
Joel_McIver: ****Blackened!!!!*** hahahahahah.
Pharmer4: My answer for the best song, BTW, is trapped under ice, or maybe Hell Freezrs over ;)
Joel_McIver: Definitely 'Ronnie'

axl409: Who is your favourite member of metallica?
Joel_McIver: At the moment, Rob.
axl409: Any reason?
Joel_McIver: I'm a bass player.
axl409: Oh ok interesting to know. So then comes the obvious question then.
demisjes: ????
axl409: cliff, jason or rob?
Pharmer4: Yes - he dodged this in the interview!!!!
GreenHellBilly: LOL
demisjes: Clif
Stitches: Do you play any instruments yourself?
Joel_McIver: Bass, guitar, sitar.
Joel_McIver: Cliff was a unique maverick, Jason reliable, Rob technically the best.
demisjes: Rob technical better that Clif?
Joel_McIver: Yep, believe it or not -- cliff was the better composer though.
demisjes: I am waiting for the new album then!!!!!!
Joel_McIver: But in Tallica Rob can't use too much of his skill
axl409: I have to agree but rob has been around longer so who knows how good Cliff could have been.
Pharmer4: Amen ax.,
demisjes: I agree axl.

Stitches:What album do you think includes the best guitar works?
Joel_McIver: Rhythm guitar: Ride or Black -- lead: Puppets.

GreenHellBilly: How do you fell about the merch that Metallica and the other bands are putting out these days, i.e. action figures bobble heads and whatever else?
Joel_McIver: I don't feel strongly about it.
demisjes: It sucks.
Pharmer4: Do you have any?
Joel_McIver: Not really
demisjes: Waste your money on music.
axl409: Bobblehead metallica rules!
demisjes: haha yeah axl.
Joel_McIver: The fans can buy it if they want it. Ticket prices are more of a worry.
Pharmer4: In oz tickets are cheap =$50
demisjes: In holland 70 euros fuck it.
Joel_McIver: Same as UK -- not cheap if you're 14 yrs old!
Pharmer4: And it think tix are priced more by promoters than the guys
Joel_McIver: Partly true.
GreenHellBilly: I agree with the prices. I understand they are high to pay the overhead cost of a show, but what do you feel is a fair ticket price?
Joel_McIver: GHB: in a rich country, maybe the equivalent of $40 US
Pharmer4: Iworked my ass off picking grapes at 14, hated every minute until Igot there, now I look back fondly on the memories (Ha!)
Joel_McIver: Pharmer: I picked watermelons in Bundaberg in 93, nearly killed me!
Pharmer4: bundaberg Oz?
Joel_McIver: Yep.
Pharmer4: That was the same year I did, but 2000k away from Queensland

Stitches: Q: If someone says that Metallica have sold out, would you agree, disagree or just stay quiet?
Joel_McIver: I'd say read my book, where I wrote 20,000 words on that very issue!

demisjes: Joel I always read the AARSCHOCK, you like?
Joel_McIver: demisjes: I see it sometimes, it's good.
demisjes: Is it only in dutch?
Joel_McIver: Yes, but I see European mags from time to time and the content is obviously good.

demisjes: Everyone, what was your first tallica gig? What year
Joel_McIver: Justice 88.
Pharmer4: 1993
demisjes: My first in 97 or 98 in belgum werchter. Really cool. Blew me away.
Pharmer4: Just out of interest, what are evreyones ages?
demisjes: I am 31 years
Stitches: Almost 16, female
Joel_McIver: I'm 34
Pharmer4: Whiteiris is 34odd, im 26.
GreenHellBilly: 31 here.
Pharmer4: GHB, everyone knows you're old!

Stitches: Out of all the people you have interwiewed, who was the nicest when it came to Metallica?
Joel_McIver: Mille Petrozza of Kreator or Tont Scaglione of Whiplash.
Stitches: Who was the meanest when it came to Metallica? (If there was any).
demisjes: DAVE mustaine. meannnnn.
Stitches: Id like joel to answer.
Joel_McIver: Quite a few people slagged them off -- mustaine of course but other too.

axl409: Have you seen metallica in recent years and whats your opinion of their live show today?
Joel_McIver: Not seen em for a while but the DVDs etc seem cool -- their live show is great!

axl409: Once again, thanx for answering questions in our chatroom Joel. Much appreciated.
Joel_McIver: I enjoy it man, thanks for having me.
axl409: Thanks pharmer, he set it up!
Pharmer4: Thanks for your time Joel. I'll keep in touch and let you know when the stuff is on the site.
GreenHellBilly: Thanks for the chance to chat and ask some questions, how do you feel about doing things like this, and how do you feel about fan sites such as the one Axl has here?
Joel_McIver: Cool. OK all I'm gonna go now -- one more question?
Joel_McIver:GHB: fan sites rule!

Stitches: Was there any people who hated Metallica because of the Napster stuff?
axl409: Plenty lol
Joel_McIver: Only the fans hate them for Napster. The musicians understand
Stitches: That's what i thought.

demisjes: Guys I am off, I have to buy a present for my girl, she becoming a docter in 2 weeks so long to all of you, and Joel a big thanks and I'll buy your book some day soon! bye!!
Joel_McIver: Cheers! I'm off too, come see me at www.joelmciver.co.uk any time!
Stitches: ok, thanks joel :)
axl409: To let people here know Joel, where's the best place to buy your book?
Joel_McIver: Amazon.com or .co.uk my man.And thanks Pharmer, send me the transcript!
axl409: Thanx again for the chat!
Joel_McIver: BYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

Questions are in regards to the revised edition, with an extra chapter on SKOM.

FWMT: You got to speak to Dave Mustaine about his take on the scene involving him and Lars from SKOM. Does he really resent them that much, was he just hurt by his perception of betrayal, or was it the usual Dave Mustaine shitting on Metallica thing.

JM: He was genuinely upset about SKOM -- he didn't want to be in it.

FWMT: you have stated in various formats that you feel St Anger is far from a great record; in the book, you state that Lars' description of the album as difficult is unfounded, since it is not a death metal or other "hard core" offering. Why did you not argue this point with Lars?

JM: Couldn't get a word in edgeways, seriously! Also I didn't have much time with him and it was running out. But I should have tried harder though, it's an important point. Believe me, there was lots more I wanted to ask but didn't have the time.

FWMT: do you think you will have enough sales of this version of the book to release one some time after the next album and tour?

JM: I hope so! but won't know until it happens.

FWMT: If so, will you wait a while after the tour to see how the new albums settles in with the fans?

JM: The timing depends on the publisher but I think that would be best.

FWMT: What is you opinion on Rick Rubin taking the Producer's role?

JM: Great! Anything to get away from Bob Rock. The Black Album was partly successful thanks to him, but since then he's been no use to them.

FWMT: Do you think Metallica is capable of fulfilling their 2 objectives - create an album that is as good as their early works, yet still create something original (i.e. not in the same genre etc as their early works).

JM: Yes on both counts, but I'm 99% certain that they won't choose to use that capability and will do another Load or St Anguish! Hopefully Trujillo will contribute some fast angry riffs though.