In the fall of 2000, Playboy journalist Rob Tannenbaum sat down with each member of Metallica separately to profile the band after arguably one of their most divisive years. Coming off the heels of the Napster controversy and a nearly 6th month hiatus in which the band hardly saw one another, this would go down as one of the most raw, contentious interviews in Metallica history. By the time it was published in March of 2001, Jason Newsted had already quit the band and James was only a few short months away from checking himself into rehab. For the first time in their entire career, the future of Metallica was bleak and uncertain. In this episode we break down the notable parts of the interview, talk Echobrain and Newsted leaving Metallica, Hetfield's issues with control, alcohol and homophobia. We discuss Kirk's role as a mediator and find out why Lars became the spokesperson for what he calls "the fist major issue of the 21st century." If you think Metal Up Your Podcast has value, please consider taking a brief moment to leave a positive review and subscribe here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/metal-up-your-podcast-all-things-metallica/id1187775077 You can further support the show by becoming a patron. All patrons of Metal Up Your Podcast receive every volume of our Cover Our World Blackened EP's for free. Additionally, patrons are invited to come on the show to talk about any past Metallica show they've been to and are given access to ask our guests like Ray Burton, Halestorm, Michael Wagener, Jay Weinberg of Slipknot and members of Metallica's crew their very own questions. Be a part of what makes Metal Up Your Podcast special by becoming a patron here: http://www.patreon.com/metalupyourpodcast Official Website here: http://metalupyourpodcast.com Purchase Cover Our World Blackened, Volume 1 here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/cover-our-world-blackened-vol-1/1442721389 Purchase Cover Our World Blackened, Volume 2 here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/cover-our-world-blackened-vol-2/1464606181 Follow us on all social media platforms. Write in at: [email protected]