Metallica’s James Hetfield Reveals Which Song Was Never Supposed to Be on Ride the Lightning

How do y’all feel about “Escape,” the sixth of eight tracks on Metallica’s legendary Ride the Lightning?

Well, if you like that song, this may disappoint you. On the other hand, if you dislike that song, this confession may lift your spirits.

Ultimate Guitar Reports that in a new interview with Sopitas, James Hetfield reveals that the track was a last-minute addition to the record:

“I remember we had all the songs and Lars said, ‘[The label wants] us to record one more, they need one more for the album.’

“I was like, ‘You didn’t tell me that…’ So we had to write and it was really last-minute. So ‘Escape’ was one of those songs that was written in the studio.”

Which helps explain why the track didn’t make its live debut until 2012 — nearly thirty years after it was released — and arrived with Hetfield announcing, “The song that we never wanted to play live, ever, is now on the setlist.”

Personally, I’m so used to “Escape” being part of the record that I can’t really imagine Lightning without it. I also think it’s catchy as fuck. So, whatever, says I.

Watch the Hetfield interview below, then go to the comments section and argue about whether or not “Escape” is a cool song.