Every time I'd go out drinking I was looking for something new. But it was the same every time. I'd wake up in some bed with some person, I had a hangover and a show to do. And the truth is, it was the same every time. But now life is... pretty interesting without the alcohol.

When people start copying your style, you know that something must be happening.

A lot of times, I'll have a goal, I'll start writing, and I'll end up in some far off place, which is good. It's nice to have a focus, but letting the lyrics write themselves where they need to go is important.

Nothing can duplicate the sheer power and feeling you get from standing in front of your amp and bashing on your guitar.

Metallica is the world to me - it always has been, and that's not going to change. I'm married to Metallica.

Every breath I take becomes deeper, and I become more confident of myself without my crutches. The lies I've filled my body and soul with aren't needed anymore. They're not welcome. I choose to live, not just exist.

It's a good feeling, that you can put your heart out there, no matter how black it is, and people can understand it.