James Hetfield mentioned MC5 as one of his influences .
He has also cited Queen , Led Zeppelin , Black Sabbath , Misfits , AC/DC , Cheap Trick , Rush , Van Halen , Blue Öyster Cult , Scorpions , Alice Cooper , Kiss , Ramones , The Stooges , UFO , Jimi Hendrix , Motörhead , Sex Pistols , Venom , Mercyful Fate , King Diamond , Iron Maiden , Judas Priest , ZZ Top , Thin Lizzy , Lynyrd Skynyrd , The Clash , Ted Nugent , Rainbow , and Deep Purple as influences.
James Hetfield