Conflicts as Springboard for Metallica’s Success

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to understand how Metallica has utilized conflicts in creating changes in the music industry and growing as the biggest heavy metal band of the world and sustained in this position for 25 years. The study was conducted as a qualitative and longitudinal case study. The study confirmed that conflicts have been a crucial factor in Metallica's success. The interpersonal conflicts and the conflicts between the band founders have been pivotal. The duo has competed and collaborated against and with each other, and this way urging Metallica to better achievements. The same type of action has extended to collaboration with other inner circle members of Metallica. Different kinds of conflict stimulation techniques have been used to increase conflicts. Many dysfunctional outcomes have also arisen but Metallica as a band has nearly always been above them. The ways of handling conflicts have changed during the band's lifecycle. In the introduction phase, competing was emphasized; in the growth phase, collaboration increased and in the current mature phase, compromising and accommodating have strengthened. Nowadays, Metallica is still a relevant band with huge number of fans, but the best creative power has run dry.

How conflicts with partners help an underdog to innovate and grow the largest in the world‐case Metallica

“…Metallica gained its strength from negative emotions: fear of losing control and hatred against authorities. This is in line with Jalonen et al (2016) and Salmela (2017), who mention that properly utilized negative emotions can be turned into a competitive advantage. In conflict situations, fear increases the intention to avoid conflict or accommodate to it, and decreases intention to compete.…”

“…Metallica did not follow the rules of the music industry, which caused constant conflicts with partners (Brannigan & Winwood, 2013; Eglinton, 2010; McIver, 2009). Salmela (2017) has studied Metallica's internal conflicts and showed that interpersonal conflicts between the band founders were a crucial factor in Metallica's success. He suggests that it would be necessary to study Metallica's conflicts also with its partners.…”