Dane Torben Ulrich, the father of METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich, has passed away at the age of 95. Lars, in his statement on social networks, says the following:

“Torben Ulrich: 1928-2023. 95 years of adventures, unique experiences, curiosity, pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, tennis, music, art, writing… and quite a bit of Danish contrarian attitude. Thank you endlessly! I love you, dad… – Lars”

Torben Ulrich, a recognized and successful tennis player, is the oldest player to have competed in the Davis Cup at the age of 49, and is still considered the best tennis player in Denmark’s history.

He became widely known as a figure in the band’s fan circles as he was considered both METALLICA’s biggest fan and biggest critic. Legendary is his “I’d delete that” line when asked for his opinion on a new song during the making of “St. Anger”, footage captured in the documentary “Some Kind Of Monster”.

Lars had stated in an interview about his father:

“I think he appreciates Metallica. Especially when we’re bold and when we’re a little unorthodox, when we play weird beats that I don’t even know what they are. He appreciates this side of us. When we play on safer paths he looks at me strangely.”

Torben Ulrich also appeared in METALLICA’s “Some Kind Of Monster” video clip, below: