Metallica's China debut in Shanghai in 2013 drew more than 20,000 fans. [Photo by Liu Bing/China Daily]

"It's like, every time we record an album, it's a different experience. And there's so many different things that we change in the studio. A lot that has to do with the songs, a lot has to do with, you know, how we play our instruments at that point of time," says Hammett.

What has made Metallica members proudest in the past 30 years, he says, is that they are still together.

Their goal? "Just do whatever you are doing, just try to do it with the best you possibly can, try to be as honest about it as possible," he says.

"And don't lose touch of that inner voice, man, because that will guide you through the music, and all that whole creative process that come with playing music."

In 2016, more than 900,000 fans visited the Mercedes-Benz Arena which presented 273 ticketed events, thereby making it Asia's No 1 sports and entertainment venue.

Since 2011, AEG has brought to the venue in Shanghai, as well as other venues in China, superstar artists such as Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and the Rolling Stones.

Recently, the German automaker brand Mercedes-Benz has extended its partnership with AEG and Oriental Pearl Group for the naming rights of Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai until 2025, an additional five years beyond the existing 10-year deal negotiated by American arena operator AEG, which commenced in 2011.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn

If you go

8 pm, Jan 15. Mercedes-Benz Arena, 1200 Expo Avenue, Shanghai. 8 pm, Jan 18. LeSports Center, 69 Fuxing Lu (Road), Haidian district, Beijing. 400-610-3721.