Joined by friends, family and crew, the group returned to 3132 Carlson Boulevard in El Cerrito, CA for a homecoming event that included a proclamation from Mayor Greg Lyman recognizing their roots in the city.

"This is unbelievable to be back in this place," James Hetfield told the crowd. "I think we've all kind of forgotten a lot of stuff that's happened in our history and this is a great way to jog our memories and to see people's faces here, as well.

"We are so grateful for everyone that's here and has been a part of this with us. We're just extremely grateful to still be rocking and playing after all these years, doing what we love doing�that doesn't happen to everybody."

In 1983, Metallica relocated to the Bay Area from Los Angeles as a condition of bassist Cliff Burton joining the band. The new lineup went on to write and rehearse much of 1984's "Ride The Lightning" and 1986's "Master Of Puppets" in the garage at what became known as the "Metalla-mansion."

"A couple of years ago," drummer Lars Ulrich said, "we thought it would be cool to come over and see if we could buy the garage from the people who lived here, and we were going to put it inside HQ over in Marin, but the garage is long gone.