Leather Charm

Leather Charm was a short-lived American heavy metal band from Downey, California. Formed from splintering members of the short-lived and similarly unsuccessful Phantom Lord, the group changed its name when bassist Ron McGovney joined the group.

Other than McGovney, members of Leather Charm included:
*James Hetfield - Lead singer. Hetfield would go on to fame as lead singer and rhythm guitarist for thrash metal band Metallica. During the short stint that was Leather Charm, however, Hetfield remained merely the band's singer and eschewed rhythm guitar duties. [http://www.metallica.com/Band/james.asp]
*Hugh Tanner - Guitarist. Tanner and Hetfield began hanging out together when Hetfield saw Tanner carrying the body of a Gibson Flying V around after class.]
*Jim Mulligan - drummer. [http://www.metallica.com/Band/james.asp]

Although little is known of Leather Charm, James Hetfield's involvement seems to point to the notion that perhaps the group was heavily influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and practiced covers of certain semi-popular bands of the period, such as Diamond Head and Sweet Savage. Iron Maiden, too, played a heavy role in the band's direction, since it has been confirmed that they covered the group's song, "Remember Tomorrow." [http://www.metallica.com/Band/james.asp]

However, when certain members of the group, particularly James Hetfield, urged the group to go in a more serious and original direction, Leather Charm broke up.

Eventually, out of the ashes of Leather Charm arose Metallica, to be formed by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich in late 1981. Ron McGovney would also enjoy a small role as an early bassist in Metallica as well. Musically, Leather Charm's main legacy is the song "Hit the Lights".

References

*Doughton, K.J. "Metallica Unbound: The Unofficial Biography". First Edition. Time-Warner Books, 1993. Pages 16-17