80s Pop Icon’s Bold Bid to Join Metallica: The Tape That Never Got a Response!
In a surprising twist of rock ‘n’ roll history, an 80s pop culture icon once made an audacious attempt to join Metallica, the world’s biggest heavy metal band. The unlikely candidate? None other than Adam Ant, the charismatic frontman of the New Wave band Adam and the Ants. Known for his flamboyant style and catchy hits like “Goody Two Shoes” and “Prince Charming,” Adam Ant harbored a secret desire to trade in his pop fame for a shot at metal glory.
During the 1980s, as Metallica was skyrocketing to international fame, they found themselves in need of a bassist after the departure of Cliff Burton. This was the perfect opportunity for Ant, a self-confessed fan of the band, to make a bold move. He wasn’t just thinking of a casual fan moment—he was determined to join Metallica’s ranks.
Adam Ant didn’t just send a letter or make a phone call; he went all in. He recorded a tape of himself playing bass and sent it directly to Metallica, hoping to catch their attention. In his own words, he said, “I heard that Metallica needed a bass player and, brother, I was writing letters, made a tape of myself playing and sent it.” Unfortunately, despite his enthusiasm and efforts, the metal legends never responded.
This unlikely bid may have gone unanswered, but it’s a fascinating look at how pop and metal cultures sometimes collided in the 80s. Adam Ant’s bold gesture remains one of rock’s unfulfilled “what ifs,” but it also serves as a reminder of how even the biggest stars were willing to take risks to chase their musical dreams—no matter how unlikely the outcome.
