"Hulk Hogan openly admits he would have abandoned his wrestling career instantly, divulging the strange saga of his supposed attempt to join Metallica"
In a career spanning over four decades, Hulk Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, made a name for himself not just as a legendary professional wrestler, but also as a charismatic figure with diverse interests. One such interest was music, and it was during his early twenties in Tampa Bay, Florida in the 1970s that Hogan spent time playing bass in local bands [6]. One of these bands, Ruckus, gained a sniff of popularity in the local rock scene [7].
However, it was Hogan's attempts to join the world-renowned bands Metallica and The Rolling Stones that have contributed to a strange mythical corner in the story of both bands.
In 2009, Hogan claimed he attempted to audition for the vacant bassist position in Metallica following Jason Newsted's exit in 2001 [8]. He further alleged that he sent a tape of himself playing bass to Metallica's management company, but never heard a response [4][5]. This story was resurrected in 2012 when Hogan told The Sun that Lars Ulrich, Metallica's drummer, had asked him to play bass for Metallica in their early days, but it did not work out [9].
But the truth about Hogan's attempt to join Metallica is that he claimed to have tried to become their bassist but never received any response from the band or their management. Lars Ulrich, when asked about Hogan's claim of auditioning for Metallica, stated he has no recollection of doing anything with Hulk Hogan [2]. Frontman James Hetfield humorously said he didn’t remember Hogan being in the band and implied the claim was not true [3].
Hogan also gave conflicting accounts about his connection with Metallica. At times, he suggested he was close friends with Ulrich, who supposedly invited him to play bass in Metallica’s early days but it didn’t work out [1][2]. However, both Ulrich and Hetfield publicly denied any such relationship or offer [2][3].
The real story behind Hogan's claim of trying out for The Rolling Stones remains unclear [10]. In 2017, when shown a photoshopped image of Metallica with Hogan, James Hetfield responded with disbelief, stating he had no recollection of Hogan attempting to join the band [7].
Despite the unverified claims and the denials from the bands, Hulk Hogan's story continues to captivate fans and fuel the mythical corners of both Metallica and The Rolling Stones' histories.
[1] Metallica's Lars Ulrich denies Hulk Hogan audition claim
[2] Hulk Hogan's Metallica audition claim dismissed by Lars Ulrich
[3] Hulk Hogan's Metallica Audition Claim Met with Skepticism
[4] Hulk Hogan's Metallica audition claim: 'No recollection' says Lars Ulrich
[5] Hulk Hogan Claims He Auditioned for Metallica in 2001
[6] Hulk Hogan's Rock and Roll Roots
[7] Hulk Hogan's Metallica Audition Claim: A Case of Misremembered History?
[8] Hulk Hogan Claims He Auditioned for Metallica in 2001
[9] Hulk Hogan Says Metallica's Lars Ulrich Asked Him to Join Band
[10] Hulk Hogan's Rolling Stones audition claim
- Hulk Hogan, in a jump from professional wrestling to music, spent his early twenties playing bass in local bands like Ruckus in Tampa Bay, Florida in the 1970s.
- In an attempt to join the world-renowned band Metallica, Hogan alleged he sent a tape of himself playing bass to their management company in 2001, but he never received a response.
- Unlike Hulk Hogan's claims, Lars Ulrich, the drummer of Metallica, has no recollection of doing anything with Hogan.
- James Hetfield, frontman of Metallica, humorously commented that he didn’t remember Hogan being in the band, implying the claim was not true.
- The band's official stance on Hogan's claim of auditioning for Metallica is that they have no recall of such an event.
- Despite the lack of substantial evidence, Hulk Hogan's story continues to captivate fans and contribute to the mythical corners of both Metallica and The Rolling Stones' histories.
- Hogan also expressed interest in auditioning for The Rolling Stones, but the real story behind this claim remains unclear.
- Regardless of the veracity of Hogan's claims, his story serves as a testament to the enduring allure of entertainment, music, sports, and the dreams of those who chase them.
