Metallica Members’ Net Worth, Who is the Richest Metallica Member?: Metallica, the rock-hard Metal band formed in 1981, is commercially and critically famous worldwide. The band has four prominent Metallica members. Metallica is one of the wealthiest Metal bands ever, with persistent performances and a fan following that transcends generations. The band has also performed live concerts in several cities, making them famous and wealthy.
The band’s journey to commercial success started with their 1983 debut album, Kill’ Em All. Their other albums, such as Ride The Lightning (1984), Death Magnetic, and The Black Album, have left their footprints in the history of heavy metal music.
Must read: Metallica Tour 2025: Ticket Price, Tour Dates, Concerts (Upcoming)
Metallica Members’ Life and Net Worth
The band has four Metallica members– co-founders James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich. Other members are Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo. Previously, the band had other members- Jason Newsted, Dave Mustaine, and Cliff Burton.
1. James Hetfield
James Hetfield, synonymously known as James Hetfield of Metallica, is the band’s lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder. His estimated net worth ranges from $350 million to $400 million, making him one of the wealthiest Metallica members.
According to the reports, James also launched a cigar line back in 2022, which was known in the market as Blackened Cigars M81 by Drew Estate. This was a pretty unique collaboration between Drew Estate Cigars and James Hetfield. This collaboration stems from James’s cigar love.
The reports suggest he has also invested a significant amount in The Virtual Reality Company back in 2016. It is known for the production of immersive experiences such as “The Martian VR.” James is also an active member of All Within My Hands Foundation, which is known for supporting music education programs.
He lives in Colorado and enjoys hunting. His other properties are a mansion in Hawaii and a house in Tennessee. James is also known for donating around 1,000 acres of his land in Marin County, California, to the Marin Agricultural Land Trust. Additionally, he has a massive collection of classic cars and motorcycles. He has generously donated some of his cars and motorcycles to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California.
2. Lars Ulrich
Lars Ulrich, the drummer and co-founder of this band, plays a pivotal role as the band’s spokesperson and manager in handling all the business and legal affairs. With an approximate net worth of $400 million, Ulrich ranks as the richest among the other Metallica members.
His properties include a California mansion and a New York penthouse. Ulrich also once owned a hilltop mansion in San Francisco, which he ended up selling off for $10.3 million in 2020. He also reportedly owns around 56 hectares of undeveloped land in Marin County. James listed that land for sale in 2015 for a total of $39 million.
He is passionate about paintings, drawings, etc. Ulrich has sold several pieces from his collection at substantial amounts. James reportedly auctioned 2 of his Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings for $5.5 million and $13.5 million in the 2000s. He has also made several appearances on TV and is a part of the All Within My Hands Foundation.
3. Kirk Hammett
Kirk Hammett, the guitarist, became a member of this band in 1983 after Dave Mustaine, who went on to establish Megadeth. He is famous for his rapid, intricate guitar techniques. His guitar music is like a treat to the ears of the audience. The audience celebrates his solo performances, a central feature of Metallica’s performance.
His net worth is approximately $250 million. It makes Hammett the third richest person among Metallica’s members. He has multiple properties in San Francisco and Hawaii. James is also known extensive and valuable collection of guitars, with Peter Green and Gary Moore’s 1959 Les Paul Standard being a part of it. He reportedly paid a whopping $2 million to purchase the legendary guitar. Additionally, he is an avid watcher of the horror genre and has a vast collection of horror movies and merchandise.
Back in 2016, Kirk launched a guitar pedal company known as KHDK Electronics and a coffee brand in 2017 in partnership with Dark Matter Coffee. He also launched an online scary story project titled “I Have to Get Rid of This Guitar I Found.” Kirk is also the one who is responsible for providing the soundtrack for the project.
4. Robert Trujillo
Robert Trujillo, the bassist for Metallica, came in 2003 as a band member after the departure of Jason Newsted in 2001. He is celebrated for his innate talent and dynamic stage presence. His bass performances are legendary.
His net worth is approximately $25 million, making him the least wealthy among other Metallica members. He has a home in Venice, California, and a ranch in Malibu, California. Also, Trujillo has entered the world of filmmaking and production. He has directed the documentary “Jaco,” which is centered around the life of the iconic Jaco Pastorius.
Before Robert joined Metallica, he was also a part of several different bands and worked with various artists. These include Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, Ozzy Osbourne, and Jerry Cantrell. His collaborations with various artists have significantly expanded his portfolio in the music industry.
Former Metallica Members
The band had several members who left the band for various reasons. Some of them are discussed below:-
1. Jason Newsted
Jason Newsted served as Metallica’s bassist from 1986 to 2001, becoming the member after Cliff Burton’s untimely death. He contributed to five studio albums of Metallica. He left Metallica due to personal and artistic differences in 2001.
After his exit from the band, he engaged in several endeavours, such as Voivod, Echobrain, and his single project named Newsted. His approximate net worth is $60 million.
When his shoulder injury left him unable to play instruments, Jason started developing an interest in painting. One of his most famous works was an abstract painting that was reportedly sold for $125,000.
He owns a vineyard in the Napa Valley and also owned a Montana ranch, which he ended up selling off for $4.95 million. Jason later purchased a house in New York, which reportedly had him pay $6.1 million.
2. Dave Mustaine
Dave Mustaine was the first lead guitarist and co-songwriter for Metallica but was dismissed by other Metallica members in 1983 due to issues related to his addiction and conflicts with other members.
Following his departure from the band, he established Megadeth, another Metal band that has also achieved success and influence in the heavy metal world. His current net worth is supposed to be $20 million.
He also founded House of Mustaine, which is a wine brand along with his wife and daughter. Dave also launched his own imprint, Tradecraft, and organized the Gigantour music festival. He also authored his own autobiography titled “Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir,” which soon became a New York Times bestseller. He also owns properties in Nashville, Tennessee, as well as Italy. According to the reports, his properties in America cost him a total of $1.8 million.
3. Cliff Burton
Cliff Burton played bass for the band from 1982 until his untimely death in 1986. He played a pivotal role in the creation of Metallica’s first three studio albums. His contribution is associated with the band’s early success by all other Metallica members.
Burton passed away in a bus accident in Sweden during a tour in 1986. He was posthumously honoured into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Metallica in 2009. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated to be $1 million. It is reported that he had left a trust fund for his family.
4. Robert McGovney
Robert McGovney was one of the earliest members of Metallica. He founded the Leather Charm band alongside James Hetfield. After the band’s demise, when Hetfield and Ulrich formed Metallica in 1981, McGovney and Dave Mustaine also joined the band. Eventually, he quit in 1982 due to personal and artistic differences, after which Cliff Burton filled his role.
Apparently, after his departure, he became uninterested in music and sold off most of his equipment.
Final Words
Beyond music, Metallica increased its income through various endeavours, such as Blackened Recordings(2012), its record label, and Blackened American Whiskey in 2016. The band’s collaboration with brands like Vans, Nixon, and Stance has increased its commercial value.
Metallica has surpassed fame and financial success throughout its 40-year career. The band’s estimated net worth is $1 billion, which is distributed among its members.
James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich are among the wealthiest Metallica members, with an approximate net worth of $400 million. Following them in the third place is Kirk Hammett, at $250 million. The band member with the least wealth is Robert Trujillo at $25 million.
Despite the pay disparity, all members are prosperous and cordial with each other and are continuously producing music and performing globally.
