In which city was Metallica formed in 1981?

Metallica was formed in Los Angeles in 1981.

The band began when Danish drummer Lars Ulrich placed an advertisement in the Los Angeles newspaper The Recycler seeking musicians interested in bands such as Diamond Head and Iron Maiden. Guitarist James Hetfield answered, and the two began developing the group that became Metallica.

Metallica’s official formation is commonly dated to 28 October 1981. The early lineup soon expanded with bassist Ron McGovney and guitarist Dave Mustaine, before the band moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1983. That later association is why some people mistakenly identify San Francisco as the band’s birthplace.

Metallica became one of thrash metal’s “Big Four,” alongside Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax. Its Los Angeles origin therefore predates the San Francisco scene that shaped much of its early career and identity.