ABC/Randy HolmesPeter Mensch, co-founder of artist management company Q Prime, spoke at the International Live Music Conference in London last week. According to Billboard, he talked about Q Prime client Metallica, and the secret to the metal legends’ enduring popularity.
“James Hetfield speaks to group of people that no one else speaks to,” Mensch said of the Metallica frontman. “That’s one of the reasons why Metallica are as big as they are now. No one else is even close to them.”
Mensch added, “If hard rock is about losing your inhibitions or frustrations, James Hetfield still, to this day, his lyrics, are f***ing angry. He’s fueled by hate.”
However, Mensch had some not-so-kind words for Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan, a former client who, he said, inspired Q Prime’s “no a**holes” policy.
“[Corgan] was a very difficult person to work with,” Mensch said. “He’s a really talented guy, just doesn’t want to listen to anybody’s advice — at least as far as I could tell.”
Other Q Prime clients include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, Disturbed and Cage the Elephant.
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