Canadian band Sandman – that specializes in performing Metallica music – was surprised to find a 41-page cease-and-desist order waiting for the band members when they arrived at FitzRay's, a night club in London, Ontario, where they were scheduled to perform. Sandman bills itself as “Canada’s Number One Tribute to Metallica.” It openly performs Metallica music and makes no claims of ownership. In fact, Sandman has been playing Metallica tunes since 2003, and this is the first time they heard from anyone about it.
Metallica claims no involvement in the attempt to shut down Sandman, and blames the cease-and-desist letter on an "overzealous attorney." Metallica claims that it has, in fact, supported the tribute bands that perform Metallica songs.
Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich took the bull by the horns and personally called Sandman to apologize. He told Sandman to "…file the letter in the trash…" and "…keep doing what you’re doing ...” He added that Metallica’s attorney will be “…catching a flight to go permanently ice fishing in Alaska."
Our read on this: Why is it always the drummer that has to make things right?