Lars Ulrich has released a statement to Blabbermouth.net regarding the passing of influential heavy metal journalist Bob Muldowney, who died Monday, November 5 after a long battle with cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease). Bob was 44 years old.

Said Ulrich: "Bob was one of the early believers in the cause, the metal cause that we all championed and that we all were inspired by. Later, we were fortunate enough that Bob also became a believer in the 'tallica cause and we in return were inspired by his belief in us and his championing our cause. Bob will be missed..."

The photo is of Bob Muldowney with late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton taken in April 1983 in New Jersey.