BRIAN TATLER

(Diamond head guitarist, 1977+)

Can you remember It’s Electric taking shape? “This was our 45th song, written in June 1978. Everything before it was scrapped, but this had something special and entered our live set – not that we did many gigs then! It went down well live and was deemed good enough for our debut album [1980’s Lightning To The Nations].”

When did you first hear of Metallica covering Diamond Head?

“In 1982 Lars sent a rehearsal room cassette of them playing It’s Electric. Then in November 1984 I got sent a copy of the Creeping Death 12” with Am I Evil? on the flipside. I was impressed that they’d gone to the trouble to work out, record and release one of our songs – even the solo was pretty much spot on. I had no idea of the potential of Metallica at this point, but I was flattered.”

How’s the relationship between Metallica and Diamond Head in 2018?

“Very strong. In October 2017 I went to see Metallica on their Hardwired tour. It was a brilliant show and I caught up with Lars backstage. Metallica are unrivalled in their field; there is nobody even close. I fully appreciate all that they’ve done for Diamond Head over the years.”