Les Claypool discusses previous Metallica audition

Renowned Primus bassist Les Claypool recently sat down with prominent music magazine Rolling Stone, discussing in the chat his ill-fated audition with Metallica back in 1986.

Claypool talks about how he underestimated Metallica's popularity at the time, instead thinking it was just him jamming with high school mate and Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett.

"I didn't realize (sic) Metallica was as big as they were. I just thought it was my buddy Kirk's band – we went to high school together," Claypool said.

Moreover, typical to the metal band's stylings, the musician also notes that the audition itself was quite "loud".

"I remember it being extraordinarily loud…I remember being told by Kirk to turn down."

Among other things, Claypool said there was a point when he knew he wasn't the right fit for the band.

"I didn't know that the intro of "For Whom the Bell Tolls" was the bass! [Laughs] So they're waiting for me to start it, and I'm just looking at them. I think that's when James knew…well, they knew I wasn't the guy when I walked in the door," he said.

Fans can read the full Rolling Stone interview here.