An iconic heavy metal band founded in the ’80s kept things low-key on Wednesday as they were spotted leaving their Sydney hotel.
The trio of rockers kept their faces hidden beneath hats and dark sunglasses as they waited on vehicles to carry them away from the luxury Park Hyatt hotel.
However, one band member appeared to be missing from the group as they left the hotel this week ahead of their Australian tour.Â
Originally formed in Los Angeles in 1981, the American band was first founded by two friends and fast became a pinnacle of thrash metal.
Now based in San Francisco, the group has gone through a slew of bassists and guitarists over the years before settling on its current four-man line-up in 2003.Â
Despite starting up in the early ’80s, the band didn’t achieve commercial success until the release of their third album in 1986—so do you know who they are?
An iconic heavy metal band founded in the ’80s kept things low-key on Wednesday as they were spotted leaving their Sydney hotel—can YOU guess who they are?
That’s right, they’re none other than Metallica!
The band is currently comprised of founders James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, as well as lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo.
Lars appeared to be absent from the group as they headed to the airport to continue their M72 World Tour—though it is likely he was just late exiting the hotel.
James, 62, was garbed all in black, wearing a jumper and jeans over boots as he accessorised with a cowboy hat and dark sunglasses.
The lead vocalist was spotted lighting up a cigar as he waited on a vehicle to arrive for him and his bandmates.
Meanwhile, Kirk, 62, tied his long grey locks back into a low ponytail as he exited the hotel holding a four-pack of Heaps Normal non-alcoholic beer.
Also wearing sunnies and a cap, the musician wore a black jacket and graphic T-shirt as he was accompanied by a blue haired woman.Â
Robert, 61, was all smiles as he waited with his bandmates, pulling a hat down low over his face as he slipped on a blue T-shirt.Â
That’s right, they’re none other than Metallica! Co-founder James Hetfield, 62, was garbed all in black as he lit up a cigar outside the hotel
Meanwhile, Kirk Hammett, 62, tied his long grey locks back into a low ponytail as exited the hotel with a blue-haired woman, holding a four-pack of Heaps Normal non-alcoholic beer
Robert Trujillo, 61, was all smiles as he waited with his bandmates, pulling a hat down low over his face as he slipped on a blue T-shirt
Metallica are jetting off to Perth next to perform at the Optus Stadium on November 1.
From there, they will head to Adelaide for a November 5 show at Adelaide Oval, and then Melbourne for a concert at Marvel Stadium on November 8.
The band will wrap the Australian leg of their tour with a show at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on November 12 and one at Accor Stadium in Sydney on November 15.  Â
The metal giants announced their Down Under tour late last year, marking their first return to Aussie shores in more than ten years.
The band, known for hits Master of Puppets and Enter Sandman, were opened by Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies.
It is the the first time Metallica has returned to Australia since the 2013 Soundwave festival, where they headlined along with Linkin Park and Blink-182.
It follows a cancelled Australian stadium tour in 2020, with lead singer and rhythm guitarist James having undergone rehab for addiction.
‘As most of you probably know, our brother James has been struggling with addiction on and off for many years,’ a statement at the time read.
‘He has now, unfortunately, had to re-enter a treatment program to work on his recovery again.
‘We fully intend to make our way to your part of the world as soon as health and schedule permit. We’ll let you know as soon as we can.’
