Original bass guitarist of Metallica, Ron McGovney, has shared a new post on his official Twitter account and revealed the true face of the music industry.
As you might remember, Metallica re-published the demo of ‘No Life ’til Leather‘ on cassette in April 2015. This album was originally recorded in 1982, and Ron was one of the members who played this record.
Ron shared a photo of the royalty fee document of this re-issued album and stated that his balance is still $500 negative for this tape. After revealing this unknown story, he said that the music industry is tough, and he is glad to leave Metallica even though they are earning millions.
A fan page of Metallica, Book Of Metallica wrote:
“April 18th, 2015: Metallica re-issued the demo ‘No Life ’til Leather’ on cassette for Record Store Day! The demo was originally recorded in 1982, & the line-up was: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Dave Mustaine, and Ron McGovney.”
Ron McGovney replied:
“5 years later and still almost $500 in the negative for this tape. The music business is tough. Glad I kept my day job.”
A fan named Mike asked:
“Are you saying there has never been a dime from that reissue? They DO have excellent accountants.”
Ron McGovney responded:
“Not sure how many were released and sold as compared to the price of production and distribution. I know that I didn’t get a copy of the released tape.”
You can read his tweets below:
5 years later and still almost $500 in the negative for this tape. The music business is tough. Glad I kept my day job.? pic.twitter.com/lcManwTJWX
— Ron McGovney (@RonMcGovney) April 19, 2020
Not sure how many were released and sold as compared to price of production and distribution. I know that I didn’t get a copy of the released tape.
— Ron McGovney (@RonMcGovney) April 19, 2020