Hale was a photographer with Metal Rendezvous Magazine in San Francisco in the late 1970's and early 1980's and was witness to the formation and formative years of both legendary thrash bands.

Hale has published books on both bands including Metallica: Club Dayz: 1982-1984 and the recently-released Megadeth: Another Time, A Different Place.

Decibel Geek podcast hosts Chris Czynszak and Aaron Camaro pick Hale's brain about the formation of Metallica as well as Lars Ulrich's early ambition to rise to the heights of the rock world, James Hetfield's early stage fright and the politics and tensions that plagued the band even in its earliest days.

Hale also gives a glimpse into the addition of Cliff Burton on bass and how his playing and fan-friendly attitude helped propel Metallica to a new level while at the same time struggling internally with tensions involving lead guitarist Dave Mustaine.

As is well known, Mustaine was fired from Metallica and went on to form Megadeth. Photographer Hale shares his thoughts on why he thinks there was more to the Mustaine discharge than a spur of the moment decision based on bad behavior and how politics has been an integral part of the Metallica camp since the earliest days.

With Megadeth, Dave Mustaine has rivaled Metallica for many years and Hale tells us about his relationship with Dave Mustaine over the years and how Mustaine came to write the forward for the new book.

Hosts Chris, Aaron, and guest Hale also spin some of their favorite tracks from the first three albums of both bands during the discussion.