Hulk Hogan’s Shocking Revelation: The Classic Metal Band That Almost Had Him in Their Ranks Before His Death

Hulk Hogan's Shocking Revelation: The Classic Metal Band That Almost Had Him in Their Ranks Before His Death

The wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, known for his larger-than-life persona and iconic career in professional wrestling, surprised fans with a revelation that resurfaced following his death on July 24, 2025. Hogan, born Terry Bollea, shared a story that left many wondering: Did he really almost join one of the most famous metal bands in history?

Throughout his career, Hogan was a master of showmanship, often blurring the lines between reality and entertainment. But beyond wrestling, he revealed a genuine passion and skill for music — specifically playing bass and guitar, which he learned in junior high school. In fact, Hogan once told Vice in 2014 that he had chosen to become a “pretty darn good bass player.” His musical abilities were also evident during his involvement with Hulk Hogan & The Wrestling Boot Band, where he played bass on their 1995 album Hulk Rules.

The biggest surprise in Hogan’s musical tale involved Metallica, the legendary metal band. In interviews over the years, he claimed that he had attempted to join them. Speaking to the Chicago Tribune in 2009, Hogan shared that when Metallica was searching for a new bass player, he reached out but never heard back. Although he never officially auditioned, Hogan maintained that he would have quit wrestling immediately to become Metallica’s bass player.

Hogan expanded on the story in 2012 to The Sun, saying that Lars Ulrich, Metallica’s drummer, had invited him to play bass in the band’s early days. However, Ulrich directly denied knowing Hogan or any such invitation during a 2012 Howard Stern Show appearance. James Hetfield, Metallica’s frontman, also refuted Hogan’s version in 2017, stating he had no memory of Hogan auditioning or being involved with the band.

After these denials, Hogan adjusted his story, explaining that he had sent a tape of his bass playing to Metallica’s management but never received a reply. He expressed frustration at critics who claimed he never auditioned, clarifying that he did try—just without success.

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Hogan’s musical ambitions were not limited to Metallica. He also claimed to have attempted to join the Rolling Stones, sharing an anecdote about sending merchandise and a message of his musical talents to Mick Jagger through Jerry Hall, Jagger’s ex-partner. As with Metallica, Hogan said he received no response.

While these claims have been met with skepticism, they reveal a lesser-known facet of Hogan’s personality: a musician at heart who wrestled with the possibility of a different path. Though his dream of rocking out onstage with a band as iconic as Metallica never materialized, Hogan’s story will remain a fascinating footnote in the legacy of one of wrestling’s biggest stars.

Hulk Hogan’s unexpected revelation about his near involvement with a classic metal band adds a new layer to his legend, illustrating the many talents and ambitions behind the wrestling icon’s signature persona.