In 1982 Metallica hit the stage for the first time!
We all know the story, Metallica was formed in L.A. in 1981, when he, with James Hetfield and Hugh Tanner came together after Lars placed an ad for guitarists to form a band. Ulrich knew Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slagel, and asked if he could record a song for the label's upcoming compilation album, Metal Massacre, when Slagel accepted, the group would officially form. The band would recruit Dave Mustaine to play lead, but the recording of their first song, "Hit the Lights", for the Metal Massacre I compilation, was done with Hetfield singing and playing bass and rhythm guitar, while Lars played drums and Lloyd Grant played the guitar solo.
Metal Massacre I was released in June 1982, and the band would debut on stage on March 14, 1982, at Radio City in Anaheim, California, with Ron McGovney on bass. They would immediately generate word of mouth success and open for Saxon at one of their shows, which would be Metallica's second gig.
The rest as we say is history, as Metallica recorded its first demo, then leave L.A. for San Fran, go to New York to record their first album, kick Dave out of the band but keep the bulk of his songs, and become the biggest metal band ever.
Not bad for a bunch of punk kids from the West Coast.