Pepper Keenan Reflects on His Metallica Audition in the ’90s

In a recent appearance on the Garza Podcast, Corrosion of Conformity’s Pepper Keenan shared an intriguing story about his early ’90s audition for Metallica. This opportunity came after James Hetfield suffered second-degree burns during a concert, forcing the band to postpone several shows.

Keenan recalled receiving a late-night call from Q Prime, Metallica’s management, asking if he could step in as a guitarist. Despite the excitement, he was apprehensive about filling Hetfield’s shoes, especially during a stadium tour with Guns N’ Roses.

“I was like, ‘Bro. For one thing, it’s a fucking stadium tour. Metallica’s never been tighter in their entire fucking lives,'” Keenan said, reflecting on the pressure of the situation. He was quickly flown to Colorado, where Hetfield was recovering, and even suggested splitting the set with a member of Sepultura.

Ultimately, Metallica opted for John Marshall, the band’s guitar tech, to cover Hetfield’s parts while he focused on vocals. Keenan’s journey didn’t end there, as he later auditioned to replace Jason Newsted on bass, but that experience also had its challenges.

Despite the missed opportunities, Keenan maintains a strong friendship with Hetfield and continues to be a significant figure in the rock scene.

Source: loudwire.com

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