Episode 141 - Metallica Crew (Chad Z)

On this special episode we sat down with the lovely Chad Z to talk all things teching for James and Metallica in general. Here are a few of the topics covered:

PS - The interview begins around the 27 minute mark.

• growing up a drummer in Wisconsin
• breaking into the music industry as an audio engineer in Minneapolis
• touring with The Breeders, Garbage, Hole and Tori Amos
• working with Veruca Salt and Bob Rock
• details on getting the Metallica gig
• being healthy on the road
• establishing trust with James
• making the pedal changes live for James
• working with Metallica at HQ during writing/recording sessions
• what he does when Metallica isn’t touring
• the Grammy’s/Gaga fiasco
• the Chris Cornell Tribute show
• making mistakes at a show
• James kicking his guitar in St. Louis
• James’ unique digital acoustic guitar
• solving problems on stage
• transitioning from real amps to Fractals
• the process of matching the tones from the albums to the fractals
• the correct tunings for Sad But True, Thingy, Seek and Dream No More
• the purple baritone Snakebyte vs. the ESP Grynch
• the “Blue” and “Black” identical backline systems
• Metallica’s studio plans for 2020
• Favorite cities while traveling
• favorite songs on the setlist like “The Outlaw Torn”
• why “No Leaf Clover” is a pain in the butt
• staying physically and mentally healthy on the road
• Hurting his shoulder at the Lisbon show
• How James chooses which guitars to play
• re-stringing James’ guitars
• Metallica releasing official Ernie Ball strings
• Chad’s personal preferences for guitars and musical taste
• the differences between European and US audiences
• accommodating guest guitar players like Lemmy, Mustaine, etc.
• The logistics of preparing for a show like S&M2
• Metallica’s enduring legacy

If you think Metal Up Your Podcast has value and are able to, we encourage you to support us on Patreon. A donation of $5 a month will automatically get you both Cover Our World Blackened EP’s, Lunar Satan tracks, eligibility for a future Metal Tales episode and future giveaways like the Deluxe Boxsets, rare vinyl, posters and more! Get involved here:

http://www.patreon.com/metalupyourpodcast

An easy and free way to support the show is to leave us a positive iTunes review. It only takes a minute and you can do it here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/metal-up-your-podcast-all-things-metallica/id1187775077?mt=2

You can purchase Cover Our World Blackened, Vol. 1 here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cover-our-world-blackened-vol-1/1442721389

Official Website: http://www.metalupyourpodcast.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metalupyourpodcast/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/metalupyourcast?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metalupyourpodcast/

SEND QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS TO: [email protected]

If you get value from Metal Up Your Podcast, the best way to support the show is to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/metal-up-your-podcast-all-things-metallica/id1187775077

Want more MUYP?
You can support the show directly by becoming a Patron.

Patrons at the $5 tier receive:

Volumes 1–4 of our Cover Our World Blackened EPs

Invitations to appear on the show to discuss Metallica concerts you’ve attended.

The ability to submit questions to past guests including Ray Burton, Halestorm, Michael Wagener, Jay Weinberg, and members of Metallica’s crew.

Join us here:
https://www.patreon.com/metalupyourpodcast

Join the MUYP Discord Server to continue the conversation:
https://discord.gg/nBUSwR8t

Support Clint’s music:

Lunar Satan: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lunarsatan/lunar-satan

VAMPIRE: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/clintwells/vampire

Stream or purchase Cover Our World Blackened and Quarantine Covers:
https://metalupyourpodcast.bandcamp.com

Follow Metal Up Your Podcast on social media and write in anytime:
[email protected]