FWMT: How Long Have You Been With Metallica?

Steffan Chirazi: Well I've known them since 1983/84, been writing about them for various rock mags worldwide since 1984, and officially joined the team in 1999 as the magazine editor.

FWMT: What did you do before you worked for Metallica?

SC: I was (and still am) a freelance writer.

FWMT: Did you start as the editor of So What or did you have to work your way up?

SC: No, I became a music journalist at 15 whilst still at school, and in fact my first assignment was with Metallica in Paris during August 1984. I continued to cover them for many magazines over the years, most notably Kerrang! and in your land the magazine Hot Metal (I believe it was called Hot Metal, great mag run by Robyn Dorian and
Jeremy Sheaffe, both fine folks). So in a sense we've known each other so long and I've proven myself over and over and over, thus it was a straight enough offer from the guys.

FWMT: Living in a small country town in Australia, it has been hard to come across the book so far. Give us a description for those like me who have been unable to read it.

SC: It is not a biography! It is an edited and redesigned compilation of the best moments from So What! magazine over the years. Blazing color. Hundreds and hundreds of pictures, mucho words, tremendous input from the guys with some fresh handwritten comments throughout, and it really is a book that you'l go back to over and over because there's simply too much in it to absorb at once, Which is the point! :-)

FWMT: What has been our favourite recent interview, and your favourite interview while working on So What?

SC: Oh wow...come on man! That's silly! I mean, look, they've all been memorable for so many reasons. My favorite recent interview? OK, I have two. The one with Lars and Torben for how intimate it was, and the one I just did with Lars a few weeks ago where he opened up on everything in his life since the summer of 2003. The whole mood of
the evening was just so 'right', and he really has become so much more rawly honest as the years have gone on...that's just getting older and more comfortable with yourself I think. Favorite whilst working on SW!? I'll offer a few...with James in Patagonia was pretty amazing, again for the acutely personal angle it gave me on him just in terms of the isolation we had. The summer 03 European run was pretty incredible given all that had happened. And every round-table stands as very special, because we went out on a limb for those starting in 1996, and I think they continue to serve a really great function as long as the timing is right.

FWMT: What has been your most memorable Metallica moment?

SC: Again, with respects an absurd question. I mean, there are dozens and dozens...I'll offer you an odd one off the bat...Detroit, Pontiac Silverdome, 1988, Monsters Of Rock. Metallica, low on the bill but starting to surge. 'Bells' is the second song and I'm on Kirk's side of the stage, really close to the performing area...about 50,000
fists go in the air punching 'oi oi oi', and he looks back at me with wide eyes of enormous, wonderful surprise and happiness, because it was really an electric 'moment' when the collective reality was that Metallica was going to be bigger and better and stronger than every single band on the bill for years to come. Another one? Cliff Burton
headbanging to punk music in the van as we drove around Paris in '84, drumming the dashboard as he used to 'drum' his own steering wheel rim..

FWMT: Do you collect Metallica memorabilia or do you see so much that you have lost the rabid need to collect?

SC: No I don't collect. I keep the occasional item, leather jackets and the discs I've received, but beyond that, only my own photos.

FWMT: Before working for Metallica, were you a huge fan like many of us, or did that come after taking the job?

SC: Again, what you have to remember is that I heard Metallica on the 'No Life...' demo when it came to London, I reviewed 'RTL' for SOUNDS when I was 16 and so yes, I was a fan BUT I was also a young journalist, thus our relationship has never been one where I am a fan who rose through the ranks, I've always been a professional working with them from day one.

FWMT: Would you recommend your job to people; do you think anyone could do it with the right training, and would it be a good job even if you were not a fan of Metallica?

SC: It was a mutual thing between Tony Smith, Lars and James. Could anyone do it? No. There are variables which go far beyond writing, design and photos...that's the same for any magazine. Training can help, but experience is the key. And this job requires you to know this band, their fans and like them on a deep level. I take it as the
touchstone for many with the band, thus I strive to bring photos and words to them that no-one else can get close to offering via such a medium.

Steffan Chirazi - Editor Of the 'So What' Magazine and the 'So What' Book, and Heavy Metal Journalist
Interview Part 2- 28th November 2005

FWMT: When Metallica goes on tour, do you go along to all the shows, or just a selected few to report on?

SC: I generally go where I need to for the magazine. It's my call and I generally only travel when necessary. To go to every show would be way too much, indeed, I think the pockets of distance make for better magazine material and perspective.

FWMT: On the SKOM DVD, in the voice-over by the guys, they refer to your twice as the fixer. How did you get this name, and how does it feel to have them refer to you in this way?

SC: Ha ha, you guys made me aware of that one as I haven't listened to the commentary track. I would imagine it ties in to the fact that my initiation of round-table interviews back in the mid-90s were seen as the first steps to therapy and healing stuff, but to be honest I won't be asking as I'd rather leave it. :-).

FWMT: How did it feel seeing yourself on the big screen in SKOM (even though it was only brief)?

SC: Oh it was fun y'know? I've been on MTV and VH1 before, plus some kids TV stuff (I occasionally do voice-over stuff for a friend) so no more than that really. I will say they picked an interview which I thought was very, very heavy.

FWMT: How successful has So What been for you – I know it made it into the best seller list.

SC: Moderately so. In a commercial sense I was disappointed by the lack of cohesive marketing, and subsequently feel many people still don't know it's out!!!! But again, the important thing was to be proud of the book, and I remain very proud. I just looked through it the other day and I liked it more than ever!!!

FWMT: Do you plan on doing further volumes to include material that did not make it into the first, and also so you can include interviews done since (for instance the Torben/Lars interview, which is very interesting).

SC: I would love to. We shall certainly see. For me, the important thing is making sure this edition is at least known to be out by everyone.

FWMT: The interview with Lars and Torben in the current issue of So What is fantastic. Was it unprecedented for you to be able to spend so much time interviewing your subjects.

SC: I've known both men for many many years, so yes, I think it was unique. There was a lot of trust invested by them, and they've always been very supportive of my work, for which I am consistently grateful.

FWMT: The Lars/Torben interview focuses a lot on Torben's anecdotes. Where you comfortable taking the focus away from 'Metallica' and covering something just as interesting?

SC: I was determined to do so. Torben's anecdotes are the foundation for Lars Ulrich, and Lars Ulrich is a lynch-pin of Metallica, thus it is a very deep exploration of how his brain ticks and also what the Ulrich family is all about. I think they are an incredible unit personally.

FWMT: Even though I have just said the Torben/Lars interview does not focus so much on Metallica, it really does reveal a lot of the background of Lars' life before coming to America, which is commonly overlooked in many 'histories' of Metallica, while obviously with James, and even Kirk, their formative years are talked about a lot. Was it your intention to bring this part of his life into light so that we could see another aspect of Lars?

SC: Absolutely. 100% yes.

FWMT: Do you have free range about HQ, or are there some areas that are off limits (i.e. the recording rooms and the private rooms of each of the guys)?

SC: I enjoy free-range. Again, I'm not interested in going places unless it's necessary for the mag, thus we have a fine understanding and trust.

FWMT: When you are around the guys, are you always clicking over in your brain with things to report in the mag, or do you separate it all when you are 'not on the job'?

SC: Interesting question...it's always floating around my mind somewhere...you never really 'clock off' so-to-speak...I'm always mulling ideas versus practicality.

FWMT: Bruce and Joe were at HQ and with Metallica for a long time. Did it create any tension at work having cameras around so much?

SC: At first of course, but pretty soon, once everyone got to know each other, it became so comfortable that I wonder what will happen during the next sessions when Joe and Bruce aren't there. Will the guys hire dudes holding cameras to 'pretend' for the vibe? :-) (joking of course!!!!)

FWMT: Bruce and Joe's work is very similar to yours (i.e. documenting Metallica). Did you pick up any tips from their process, and did you get along with them OK?

SC: No tips really, but yes, I really liked them both, and found Bruce particularly easy-going. I really admire Joe's drive and energy...and I have to tell you, both guys were really, really cool to me personally always. I love their work and am happy to say that the men behind the work are equally good!

FWMT: What was your opinion on Phil BEFORE he was bought in to help the guys, and what is your opinion now?

SC: I had no opinion on Phil beforehand. I think that Phil served a vital purpose for the first 9 months of his tenure with Metallica, he was important in helping them find each other again.

FWMT: Did you take advantage of Phil's expertise while he was around (such as Joe and Bruce admitted to doing)?

SC: No. Although again, I have to say that Phil was never anything less than 100% nice to me at all times, which is very cool.

FWMT: In a deleted scene from SKOM, Jason causes some discomfort for Metallica employees when he asks why he was not told about the Raiders Parking Lot gig, and in the Echobrain scene, a lot of Metallica's employees are seen to be working for Echobrain as well. How hard was it in the Metallica camp with people being pulled in two different directions?

SC: Interesting question. I think that particular situation was very, very tough for a while. I personally thought it was sad. Jason didn't need to do that, but I think he was dealing with his own stuff too. Jason's a super-honorable, decent and stand-up guy, and even though we haven't spoken since the book coming out, I feel confident in saying that were he to be asked about that moment, he'd hold his hands-up and say he was out of line.

FWMT: Was Jason's departure something that could be seen before hand (or in hindsight) or were you taken by surprise?

SC: I was taken by surprise at the timing, but I quickly realized it was inevitable. He was not happy in my opinion. It's that simple. But let me go on record as saying that again, I loved working with Jason. I saw him coming in, I saw him leave, and in the middle he was always, always ready to do what had to be done. I often felt too that Jason was an incredibly gifted, and consumed, creative energy, and I believe deep down that he's happier now.

FWMT: In your opinion, does Rob seem to be comfortable in Metallica, has he settled into the best band in the world?

SC: Oh yes, Rob is all about 'flow'...like a river to a sea...like a mountain stream...I'm not being a hippy here, I really believe that. He is all about flow and connection.

FWMT: From what you have seen from the guys recently, do you think the recording process will continue on as collaborative as it was with St Anger (i.e. everyone contributing lyrics etc), or do you think the guys will focus on their specialty? (I know I'd prefer a mix of both, with everyone specialising in their traditional area, and contributing some to everyone else's parts). And is there any chance of letting us in on how the guys are coming along with plans for the new album – any signs yet?

SC: First off, who knows? I don't even know if they're sure. Secondly, it's creaking into gear sometime soon, though specifically when, again, sorry, I'm not sure.

FWMT: You have been covering Metallica professionally right from the start. What do you think of their progression?

SC: I think it's excellent, a true passage through freedom and creativity.

FWMT: Has there been any point where they took a path you were not expecting, both negative and positive?

SC: Not really. Looking back, 'Load' was a twist, but at the time, I have to say that at the time it was part of the flow, and looking back it remains part of a flow that makes logical sense.

FWMT: The memory of cliff you mentioned earlier just sounds exactly like him. He always seems reserved in interviews i have read or seen. How did you find him on a professional level?

Cliff was a great guy, period.

FWMT: do you think he opened up to you more since you were closer to the band for so long?

SC: Nah, Cliff didn't give a fuck about that stuff. When he heard I was moving to SF in 86, he offered to show me around on arrival. I called him the first few days I was in town, and the man repeatedly rolled into SF from Castro Valley, introducing me to great friends and showing me some superb times. He was a lovely free-spirited guy.

FWMT: Cliff's last interview was with Jorgen Holstedt the night before he died. Have you ever read it? (if you have not, it is on our sight, in the history archives in 2005 - when it was published)

SC: No. With respects I don't need to.

FWMT: Where you following them in Europe when Cliff was killed, or did you find out while working elsewhere?

SC: I received a phone call from the site. It was devastating.

FWMT: So What takes the best part of the mag and builds upon it. Does the book include sections of the mag that focused on Jason, and did he contribute to the book directly?

SC: Yes it does and no he didn't other than to give his OK to stuff.

FWMT: Was he happy to be a part of it, and was it easy to organise his input?

SC: We didn't ask him for handwritten contributions. He was his usual friendly and courteous self in giving authorization to use the stuff we did. Grab the book and see for yourself, he's all over it, as he was the mag for many years.

FWMT: Other than Metallica, what other bands do you like, and what other music do you like?

SC: It runs the gamut, really, from James Brown to Underworld, from Ian Dury to The Sex Pistols...I do enjoy a good chunk of dub too, and Massive Attack/Tricky are both pretty fucking cool. There again, Slayer on the treadmill and Warrior Soul's 'Space Age Playboys' anywhere rock my world loud, hard and often.