Lou Reed Receiving Threats From Metallica Fans Over ‘Lulu’

The album hasn't even been in stores for a full day and there are already reports that Lou Reed is being threatened over his collaboration with Metallica that many fans are vocally disappointed with.

Lou Reed recently spoke with USA Today about the growing number of Metallica purists who are upset over his unusual collaboration with them on 'Lulu' -- which was released today. Reed made (the reasonably obvious) point that some fans are taking a one-off project a little too seriously:

"[Metallica fans] are threatening to shoot me, and that's only because I showed up. They haven't even heard the record yet, and they're recommending various forms of torture and death. I don't have any fans left. After 'Metal Machine Music' (1975), they all fled. Who cares? I'm essentially in this for the fun of it."

Despite their opinions of the record, these people should realize that it is a project that all involved parties did for fun -- it's not the end of the world. There will be other Metallica records, in fact, they're working on one right now. Lars Ulrich recounted a similar backlash they experienced early on and issued a disclaimer of sorts for those with strong reactions to 'Lulu':

"In 1984, when hardcore Metallica fans heard acoustic guitars on 'Fade To Black', there was a nuclear meltdown in the heavy-metal community. There have been many more since then. This is something they've never heard. Nobody hears rhythms or delivers poetry the way Lou does. It's not for everyone, but I think it's a fantastic record."

To listen to and read our review of Lou Reed & Metallica's 'Lulu,' click here.