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So What!: The Good, The Mad, and The Ugly
So What the Offical Metallica Illustrated Chronicle Hardcover Book. pictures of the band past , and present as well as concert images
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 27, 2025
Metallica has been one of my favorite bands ever since I discovered them, around 1999 or 2000. I got this book —and read it in its entirety— back when it came out in 2004, but after seeing Metallica double-headline at Sonic Temple a couple of weeks ago, I pulled it off the shelf and browsed through it again.
A lot of the material —interviews, Q&As, etc.— come from their official fan club's magazine, so if you were a member at that time, you've most likely read most of it before (but I never was, so I hadn't), but I'd still say it is a great scrapbook, especially for all the photos, side notes, and lists. I feel like you really get a true impression of their personalities.
The book deals a lot with Jason's departure (and the tension leading up to it), which makes sense, seeing as Jason left the band only a few years before the book's release. I'd say the book does a much better job of giving fans a window into that period of time than the Some Kind of Monster documentary that came out the same year. But it also gives ample behind-the-scenes insights to recording, tours, the S&M performances, etc. as well as lets Lars clarifying his stance in regards to the whole Napster thing, and of course pays respects to Cliff Burton.
A lot of the material —interviews, Q&As, etc.— come from their official fan club's magazine, so if you were a member at that time, you've most likely read most of it before (but I never was, so I hadn't), but I'd still say it is a great scrapbook, especially for all the photos, side notes, and lists. I feel like you really get a true impression of their personalities.
The book deals a lot with Jason's departure (and the tension leading up to it), which makes sense, seeing as Jason left the band only a few years before the book's release. I'd say the book does a much better job of giving fans a window into that period of time than the Some Kind of Monster documentary that came out the same year. But it also gives ample behind-the-scenes insights to recording, tours, the S&M performances, etc. as well as lets Lars clarifying his stance in regards to the whole Napster thing, and of course pays respects to Cliff Burton.
November 29, 2025
Pretty awesome indepth look into their history. Heavy
April 29, 2015
This compilation of fan club magazine "So What" articles is for die hards only. If you are a member of the fan club you have likely read the material. This reads more like a scrapbook and focuses heavily on the turbulent era between Jason and Robert. This is a very personal book which leaves you feeling you know these guys better than your own family. If you've cruised my profile you would know this is my 3rd 'Tallica book in as many months. Time to switch gears.....summer will (hopefully) soon be here. Must. Choose. Patio book.......carefully. See you at Chapters!
September 19, 2020
I did have fun with this one. Would also be lying if I said I didn't skim a bit at times, but I did come away from it with a bigger appreciation for James Hetfield, so there's that--though I remain a Kirk girl at heart.
October 30, 2009
mmmmmmmm...
January 13, 2011
Must have for any fan.
August 19, 2013
The must-have book for all the true Metalli' fans.... An inside look at one of the most influential bands of all time.....
November 15, 2013
Very interesting - pity it doesn't have more stuff about the band from the 80's but worth checking out if you're a Metallica fan.
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May 9, 2014amazon.com
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews