In a new interview with CNBC, Lars Ulrich explained Metallica’s longevity and financial independence by citing a certain group of San Francisco legends.

“As far as Metallica is concerned, we have our own record label, [and] we pretty much try to control all the different elements in our little bubble, our little eco system,” the drummer said. “We’re financially independent… We sort of model our existence on the Grateful Dead…who considered themselves to be living outside of the mainstream… that’s been our dream, to just be independent, autonomous, to be able to create the music and not owe anybody any money. So when you say, ‘Who has the control?’ We like to think that in our bubble that we do, but obviously we’re also very fortunate in that we can channel the success that we’re so grateful for into financial independence.”

This certainly isn’t the first time the heavy metal titans nodded to the jam world. During Phish’s Bakers Dozen residency in 2017, they marveled at the feat of playing no-repeats over 13 shows.

“That’s insane,” guitarist Kirk Hammett said at the time.

Watch Ulrich’s interview below: