Metallica was officially formed on October 15, 1981. Metallica's members currently are:

James Hetfield - Born on August 3, 1963. Vocals, Rhythm guitar, Co-Founder.
Kirk Hammett - Born on November 18, 1962. Main Guitarist.
Lars Ulrich - Born on December 26, 1963. Drums and percussion.
Rob Trujillo - Born on October 23rd, 1964. Bassist

Metallica's first album, "Kill em' All", was released in late 1983 and with massive amounts of touring the bands reputation soared both in the US and Europe. In 1984 they went to work with producer Flemming Rassmussen in Copenhagen at Sweet Silence Studios on their second album. "Ride The Lightning" this album proved that Metallica was not your average metal band, the lyrics and sound quality illustrating a growth in their intensity which then they were immediately targeted by major management in QPrime, and a major label in Elektra. Both deals were done by the fall of '84 and their reputation continued to grow and still does to this day.

Returning back to Sweet Silence Studios in 1985, Metallica recorded "Master Of Puppets" which was released in 1986. Metallica's fan base grew so fast that Metallica was able to score a tour along side with 'The Prince of Darkness' himself Ozzy Osbourne, and because of that tour, Metallica had a massive increase in their fan base. Their fan base was so large that Metallica was now known around the world and this is a dream that is not accomplished easily. You need massive amounts of effort and determination to achieve this, and of course people around the world have to like your "type" of music that you produce.

Some North America Dates ONLY:

Metallica with Lamb of God and The Sword:
December 1 - Seattle, WA Key Arena
December 2 - Vancouver, BC GM Place
December 4 - Calgary, AB Pengrowth Saddledome
December 7 - Edmonton, AB Rexall Place
December 12 - Ontario, CA Citizens Business Bank Arena
December 13 - Fresno, CA Save Mart Center
December 15 - San Diego, CA Cox Arena
December 17 - Los Angeles, CA The Forum
December 20 - Oakland, CA Oracle Arena

Metallica on tour with Machine Head and The Sword:
January 12 - Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center
January 13 - Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena
January 15 - Washington, DC Verizon Center
January 17 - Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
January 18 - Boston, MA TD Banknorth Center
January 26 - Chicago, IL Allstate Arena
January 29 - Uniondale, NY Nassau Coliseum
January 31 - Newark, NJ Prudential Center