Metallica was formed in Los Angeles, California, in October 1981 by guitarist and singer James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich after they both placed classified advertisements in the publication The Recycler about forming a band. The duo recruited bassist Ron McGovney, and the early incarnation of the band went through a number of lead guitarists, such as Lloyd Grant, Brad Parker, and Jeff Warner.

In 1982, Ulrich convinced Metal Blade's Brian Slagel to include the song "Hit the Lights" on the first Metal Massacre compilation. Desperate for a full time lead guitarist, Ulrich posted an ad in a local newspaper. Dave Mustaine from Huntington Beach, California, who at the time was playing in the band Panic responded and met for an audition. Ulrich and Hetfield were so impressed with Mustaine's warm-up and equipment, they asked him to join
before the audition even began.