Eloy Casagrande is among the most recognized drummers today – he has been voted the most "heavy-handed" drummer in the world and chosen as the most extraordinary metal drummer by readers of Modern Drummer . The Brazilian's talent also impresses his peers, and Lars Ulrich , drummer of Metallica , was impressed when he saw him play.
The person narrating Ulrich's reaction is Derrick Green , who spoke about touring with Metallica and Sepultura during an interview on radio station 96.7 KCAL-FM . Both bands have played on the same stage more than once, but it took several tours for them to develop a more personal connection.
“We toured South America with them, it was phenomenal. I think they were going through a lot at that time, with a lot of problems and other things, so we didn’t really talk to them much. But then we did some other shows with them in Brazil and I think they were in a healthier place, and it was fantastic. They were getting along. James Hetfield or Kirk Hammett would come backstage – all those guys – Robert Trujillo … They were always so friendly and great,” Green recalled (via Blabbermouth ).
But it was at Rock In Rio Lisboa in 2012, with Eloy Casagrande as the band's new drummer, that Lars was blown away. “We were with our new drummer at the time, Eloy Casagrande, who's with us now, and Lars was just freaking out watching him play. [He was saying], 'Man, this kid is incredible.' It was an amazing time hanging out with them. They invited us to dinner after the show,” the vocalist continued. “Since then, every time I see them, it gets better and better. They're great to tour with, [they have] a great team. The professionalism is formidable. It's this incredible machine that works together. And I love it. These guys are amazing. I love seeing them doing so well.”
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