Metallica’s guitarist promises ‘more of an experience’ during its Minneapolis takeover

On opening band Mammoth WVH’s leader Wolfgang Van Halen, whose late father, Eddie, was a mentor to Hammett: “Wow, what a guitar player. He just lives and breathes that guitar-playing legacy that his dad created. I’m so, so, so stoked to see that happening.”

On Friday’s other opener, Pantera, now featuring singer Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown with Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante following the deaths of co-founding brothers Vinnie and Darrell Abbott: “I think it’s a great thing. It’s a tribute to the brothers keeping their legacy alive. And it’s a great thing for Pantera fans. Even though it’s not the original Pantera, you still get to see Phil and Rex, and Zakk and Charlie are doing a damn good job.”

On the bands Bastardane and Ottto, featuring Castor Hetfield and Tye Trujillo, respectively, sons of Metallica members James Hetfield and Rob Trujillo (each performing Saturday at the Varsity Theater): “They’re great, but I really love any kid who’s keeping live music going… to see the younger generation picking up the tools and making real music in analog is really a wonderful thing. It’s so easy to just go to a computer these days and just be a one-man band. That’s fine, too, but you lose the chemistry and dynamic that real bands like these thrive on.”

On his day-off plans between the two Minneapolis shows: “We usually keep a low-profile those nights. The fans kind of keep the momentum going those nights. I am a big Prince fan, so I will take that into consideration. I’m a big Hüsker Dü fan, too. I love Bob Mould so much. So maybe I’ll drive around Minneapolis playing Hüsker Dü and Prince.”

With: Pantera and Mammoth WVH (Fri.), Five Finger Death Punch and Ice Nine Kills (Sun.).