Metallica: a Dispute Between Dave Mustaine and Lars Ulrich over Songwriting Credits Has Impeded the Release of a No Life ’til Leather Reissue

With all the super-duper-extra-special-deluxe reissues Metallica have been, um, issuing, one might assume that the band has plans, sooner or later, to reissue No Life ’til Leather, their legendary 1982 demo, with a ton of bell and whistles. And, according to Dave Mustaine at least, one might assume correctly.

Unfortunately, also according to Mustaine, the super-duper-extra-special-deluxe reissue is currently shelved, and may never see the light of day. Why? Says Mustaine via Twitter:

“James contacted me 2 years ago. We were going to officially release the ‘No Life Till Leather’ demo as a record, w/27 tracks, pics, the whole enchilada, and the talks broke down because Lars wanted credit on two songs I wrote every note and word to. I have the texts. I passed.”

Given his, er, unique view of history, it’s kinda hard to take Mustaine at his word about anything. But I certainly believe he believes this is why the Leather reissue hasn’t materialized.

I imagine someone will ask Ulrich and/or Hetfield about this in the next 10,000 interviews they grant, so it will be interesting to hear their side of the story.

James contacted me 2 years ago. We were going to officially release the "No Life Till Leather" demo as a record, w/27 tracks, pics, the whole enchilada, and the talks broke down because Lars wanted credit on two songs I wrote every note and word to. I have the texts. I passed. https://t.co/xtqTiJT2AE

— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) November 30, 2017

[via The PRP]