Metallica’s Lars Ulrich Debuts New SiriusXM Show With an AC/DC ‘Deep Dive’
By News Desk
January 6, 2026
Metallica co-founder and legendary drummer Lars Ulrich has once again found a powerful new way to connect with rock and metal fans around the world. On January 6, 2026, Ulrich officially debuted a brand-new exclusive radio series on SiriusXM titled Lars’ Deep Dive, airing on Metallica’s dedicated channel, Maximum Metallica (Channel 42). The premiere episode launches with a passionate and insightful exploration of one of the most influential rock bands of all time—AC/DC—as Ulrich digs deep into their catalog to spotlight personal favorites and lesser-known gems.
The debut marks another milestone in the long-standing partnership between Metallica and SiriusXM, a collaboration that has transformed how fans experience the band’s music, history, and creative process. With Lars’ Deep Dive, listeners are invited beyond the surface of hit singles and chart-toppers and into the deeper currents that shaped rock music and Metallica’s own sonic identity.
A New Chapter on Maximum Metallica
Maximum Metallica has become a unique destination for fans since its launch, offering 24/7 programming curated by the band themselves. The channel features everything from Metallica’s biggest anthems to rare deep cuts, live concert recordings, demo versions, backstage stories, and exclusive interviews. It is not merely a radio station—it is an evolving archive of Metallica’s legacy.
Lars’ Deep Dive expands that mission by allowing Ulrich to step into the role of host, curator, and storyteller. Unlike conventional radio programming, the show is rooted in personal passion rather than playlists driven by algorithms. Each episode centers on a specific artist, band, or theme that has influenced Ulrich’s musical journey, offering listeners context, history, and first-hand insight from one of metal’s most influential figures.
The choice to launch the series with an AC/DC-focused episode is no coincidence. For Ulrich, AC/DC represents a cornerstone of hard rock—one that profoundly shaped his understanding of rhythm, power, and songwriting.
Why AC/DC Matters to Lars Ulrich
AC/DC’s impact on rock music is monumental. With their stripped-down approach, thunderous riffs, and relentless grooves, the Australian rock icons forged a sound that has endured for decades. Their music bridges generations, influencing countless bands across hard rock, heavy metal, and beyond.
In the premiere episode of Lars’ Deep Dive, Ulrich goes beyond the obvious hits. Rather than focusing solely on globally recognized anthems like “Back in Black” or “Highway to Hell,” he shines a light on deeper album tracks—songs that may not dominate classic rock radio but hold immense artistic and emotional value.
Ulrich discusses how AC/DC’s music shaped his formative years, particularly their unwavering commitment to groove and simplicity. He reflects on how drummer Phil Rudd’s minimalist yet crushingly effective style taught him that power doesn’t come from excess, but from precision and feel. These lessons, Ulrich explains, would later influence Metallica’s own rhythmic foundation.
A Drummer’s Perspective on Rock History
What sets Lars’ Deep Dive apart from traditional music commentary is Ulrich’s unique perspective as a drummer and songwriter. He doesn’t simply recount facts or timelines; he dissects the music from the inside out. Listeners hear him talk about tempo choices, drum patterns, and the subtle decisions that make AC/DC songs feel timeless.
Ulrich also connects AC/DC’s philosophy to Metallica’s own career. Both bands, despite evolving over time, have remained fiercely loyal to their core identity. In the episode, Ulrich draws parallels between AC/DC’s refusal to chase trends and Metallica’s own determination to follow their instincts—even when it sparked controversy.
The result is a show that feels intimate and authentic. It’s less like a formal broadcast and more like sitting in a room with a fellow music obsessive, flipping through records and sharing stories late into the night.
Listening Details and Air Times
To ensure fans across different schedules can tune in, SiriusXM has scheduled multiple airings of the premiere episode of Lars’ Deep Dive. The AC/DC-focused debut airs on Maximum Metallica at the following times:
- Tuesday, January 6 at 3:00 PM ET
- Wednesday, January 7 at 1:00 PM ET
- Thursday, January 8 at 12:00 PM ET and 9:00 PM ET
- Friday, January 9 at 4:00 PM ET
- Saturday, January 10 at 3:00 PM ET
In addition to the live broadcasts, the full episode is available on demand via the SiriusXM app, allowing subscribers to listen anytime and revisit Ulrich’s insights at their convenience.
SiriusXM’s Artist-Driven Vision
The launch of Lars’ Deep Dive highlights SiriusXM’s broader strategy of artist-led programming. By giving musicians creative control over their own shows and channels, SiriusXM offers fans an experience that goes far beyond traditional radio formats.
Maximum Metallica exemplifies this vision. The channel provides unprecedented access to the band’s world, featuring rare recordings, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and surprise content curated directly by Metallica. It allows fans to hear not just the music, but the voices and perspectives behind it.
For SiriusXM, Ulrich’s new series strengthens the platform’s appeal to rock and metal fans seeking depth, authenticity, and connection—qualities that are increasingly rare in modern music consumption.
Lars Ulrich: Beyond the Drum Kit
Over the decades, Lars Ulrich has established himself as more than just Metallica’s drummer. He is a passionate music historian, a vocal advocate for artists’ rights, and one of heavy metal’s most influential cultural figures.
Born in Denmark and raised on a steady diet of rock records, Ulrich developed an early obsession with bands like Deep Purple, Motörhead, Diamond Head, and AC/DC. That deep curiosity never faded, even as Metallica rose to global superstardom. Instead, it evolved into a desire to share and preserve the music that inspired him.
Lars’ Deep Dive feels like a natural extension of that lifelong passion. It gives Ulrich a platform to celebrate the artists who shaped him while educating and inspiring a new generation of listeners.
What Fans Can Expect Next
While AC/DC headlines the premiere episode, Lars’ Deep Dive is expected to explore a wide range of artists, eras, and themes in future installments. From classic metal pioneers to overlooked underground acts, the series promises to reflect Ulrich’s broad tastes and deep knowledge.
For fans, the show offers more than nostalgia. It provides context—explaining why certain songs mattered, how musical ideas travel across decades, and why some bands continue to resonate long after trends fade.
In an age dominated by streaming algorithms and short attention spans, Lars’ Deep Dive stands as a reminder of the value of intentional listening and storytelling.
A Celebration of Rock’s Enduring Legacy
The debut of Lars’ Deep Dive arrives at a time when legacy artists are finding innovative ways to remain relevant without compromising authenticity. Rather than simply looking backward, Ulrich uses the platform to actively engage with rock history, keeping it alive and meaningful for today’s audiences.
By opening the series with an AC/DC deep dive, Ulrich pays tribute to a band that helped define hard rock while reinforcing Metallica’s place within that lineage. It underscores the idea that great music exists in conversation—between past and present, influence and innovation.
As Lars’ Deep Dive continues to unfold on SiriusXM’s Maximum Metallica, it is poised to become essential listening for anyone who values rock music not just as entertainment, but as culture, history, and shared identity.
For Metallica fans, AC/DC devotees, and rock lovers everywhere, Lars Ulrich’s latest venture offers something rare: a guided journey into the heart of the music that changed everything.
