Fact: John Legend, Metallica, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban are set to perform at the 50th annual Grammy Awards on 12 February (17). The ceremony, which will be hosted by James Corden, will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Fact: Fans at Metallica's concert in Bogota, Colombia last week (ends04Nov16) have helped to collect more than nine tons of food for disadvantaged kids and animals in need. Attendees were asked to bring non-perishable goods to the gig to aid the indigenous Wayuu community in La Guajira, where thousands of children have died from malnutrition and related health issues since 2008. Some of the canned products will also benefit the Corazones Peluditos (Furry Hearts) organisation, where officials help to feed abandoned pets and find them new homes.
Fact: Metallica joined Neil Young onstage at the veteran rocker's annual Bridge School Benefit concert on Saturday night (22Oct16) for a rendition of his Buffalo Springfield hit Mr. Soul. Metallica also performed a cover of The Clash's Clampdown for the first time during their their third Bridge School appearance. Young also teamed up with Roger Waters and My Morning Jacket for a cover of Bob Dylan's Forever Young. Waters, Young and Dylan performed at the inaugural Desert Trip festival earlier this month (Oct16).
Fact: A 28-page comic book titled Orbit: Metallica based on METALLICA's career has been developed by writer Michael L. Frizell and illustrator by David Frizell.
Quote: "Back in the day you could identify each venue because there was a geographical element to it. Now 50 per cent of the places in America are called the FedEx Building, so it gets a bit confusing. You can't figure out whether it's somewhere you haven't been before or if it's just an old dump that's been renamed and given a facelift." Metallica star Lars Ulrich rues the commercialisation of concert venue names.
Quote: "It is what it is. I know it's back there but I don't see it unless I'm in one of those funny hotel rooms where they have too many mirrors. My wife continues to tell me that it makes no difference in her life, so I'm happy." Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich is not bothered by his rapidly increasing bald patch.
Fact: Metallica held their third annual Metallica Day in San Francisco on Saturday (02May15) by appearing at a local baseball game. The band donned baseball gear and performed during the San Francisco Giants match against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at the city's AT&T Park. The band's drummer Lars Ulrich also threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Fact: Metallica are to re-release their early cassette demo No Life 'Til Leather as a Record Store Day treat for fans on 18 April (15). Many of the songs on the seven-track demo, which initially hit the streets in 1982, appeared on Metallica's 1983 debut album Kill 'Em All.
Fact: Heavy metal stars Metallica have teamed up with designers at Armada Skis to create their own line of snow gear. The Armada x Metallica collection, which will be available in stores from September (15), includes skis, a windbreaker jacket and gloves. The items feature artwork resembling that from Metallica's Master of Puppets album.
Fact: Heavy rockers Metallica dropped the ceremonial first puck at Wednesday night's (21Jan15) San Jose Sharks ice hockey clash with state rivals the Los Angeles Kings to kick off the home team's 'Metallica Night'. The band's songs were piped out over the Pa system during all stoppages and bandmates Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield were spotted cheering on the Sharks from a luxury box. The rockers brought the home team a little extra luck - they won the game 4-2.
Fact: Heavy metal legends Metallica were honoured by U.S. ice hockey team the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday night (21Jan15). The team has adopted the band's hit Seek and Destroy as their unofficial theme tune, and they celebrated the musicians at a special Metallica Night. The bandmembers attended the game against the Los Angeles Kings and were presented with special jerseys.
Quote: "That was sensational. I don't remember much of it. I remember walking up the stairs - the rest of it is a bit of a blur." Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich was in a daze following the band's headline performance at Britain's Glastonbury festival on Saturday (28Jun14).
Fact: The English National Ballet made its debut at the 2014 Glastonbury Festival by taking to the stage early on Sunday (29Jun14). The ballet company was the first act on the main Pyramid Stage after rockers Metallica headlined on Saturday (28Jun14).
Quote: "Nirvana is a no-brainer for the first year and I'm glad that Kiss is getting the long-overdue recognition that they deserved for everything that they pioneered, and then I got two words: 'Deep Purple!'" Metallica star Lars Ulrich is surprised Deep Purple are yet to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Quote: "(I get) the smell of burning rat when I first turn my barbecue on after the winter. There's a rat nest in it." Metallica rocker James Hetfield's home has a vermin problem.
Fact: Heavy metal rockers Metallica are set to play their first ever gig in China this summer (13). The Enter Sandman hitmakers will take to the stage in Shanghai at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on 13 August.
Fact: Metallica will perform their classic self-titled debut album in its entirety at Australia's Soundwave festival.
Fact: Metallica rockers James Hetfield and Rob Trujillo are set to get animated for a new video game. The stars will be turned into computer characters for the latest installment of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series, as part of a special download pack for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 consoles, which will be released on 4 December (12). The band's song All Nightmare Long will also feature on the game's soundtrack.
Fact: Rockers Metallica are set to shoot their own 3D concert movie. The group is teaming up with Predators director Nimrod Antal for the project, which will hit theatres next year (13). The filmmaker tells EW.com, "We are going to harness the powerful and almighty energy of Metallica’s live shows, inject a narrative into it, and shoot it in 3D to elevate the entire experience."
Fact: Rockers Metallica are currently working on a 3D film project tentatively scheduled for release in 2013. The band previously released documentary film Some Kind Of Monster in 2004.
Quote: "It's really great to be doing things for the first time, to come here and then go to India after this for the first time also, it keeps things fresh. I travelled many places and to see people from different cultures together in unity, having fun and singing the exact same words at the exact same time is a really beautiful feeling. It is things like this that keeps us going." Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo on the band's first shows in the United Arab Emirates and India. The rockers performed in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday (25Oct11).
Fact: Peter Mensch, who co-manages acts like Metallica and the Red Hot Chili Peppers has wed British Conservative Party Member of Parliament Louise Bagshawe.
Fact: A charity founded in memory of late rocker Ronnie James Dio is selling off guitars painted by elephants to raise money. The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund has teamed with the Asian Elephant Art & Conservation Project (Aeacp) to create the pieces, signed by stars including Metallica, Slash, and Aerosmith, which will be auctioned off later this year (10).
Fact: Rockers Metallica have broken an attendance record at Sydney's famous Acer Arena previously held by Britney Spears. The band sold 74,244 tickets over four dates in September (10) and November (10), while Spears' Circus tour set the previous record at 66,247.
Quote: "The night before the first show, we invited the other bands to have dinner with us - no managers, no babysitters. It was great, a rock 'n' roll moment in an Italian restaurant in Warsaw." Lars Ulrich on the summit meeting he and his Metallica bandmates staged before the Big Four concerts featuring themselves, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax.
Fact: Metallica celebrated bassist Robert Trujillo's 46th birthday by hurling cream pies at him during their performance in Perth, Australia on Saturday (23Oct10).
Quote: "I've got nothing against GUNS N' ROSES. I mean, Axl's doing what he wants to do at this point. I don't know if there's much guns or roses in any of that, but it's Axl, and he is Axl and he has not changed or waned one bit, and I kind of respect that." Metallica star James Hetfield's feelings towards one-time adversary Axl Rose have mellowed.
Fact: Rockers Metallica have rewarded 300 student volunteers and emergency workers who helped in the clean-up efforts after an earthquake struck New Zealand's South Island on 4 September (10) - they've handed out tickets to the band's upcoming concerts in the country. The heavy metal hitmaker's shows at the CBS Canterbury Arena will go ahead as planned on 21 and 22 September (10) despite the natural disaster.
Fact: Metallica'S JAMES HETFIELD, Slash, EDDIE VAN HALEN and Keith Richards have joined late stars Johnny Ramone, Roy Orbison, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Strummer and DJANGO REINHARDT on a new list of the world's Coolest Guitarists. Stray Cats star Brian Setzer, Link Wray, Buddy Guy and Jimmy Page also make the top 30 list in the new issue of Guitar World magazine.
Fact: More than 81,000 rock fans attended the first BIG FOUR concert in Warsaw, Poland on Wednesday night (16Jun10), making it one of the biggest music events ever staged in the city. Metallica, Slayer, MEGADETH and Anthrax played together on the same stage for the first time ever when they co-headlined the Sonisphere festival at Bemowo Airport.
Quote: "I don't need drink or drugs. That's straight-edge life. Obviously I'm not straight edge - a true, hardcore straight-edge has never had any of it in his or her whole life. But I'm a reborn straight-edge." Metallica star James Hetfield is committed to staying clean and sober.
Fact: A portion of the sales from every copy of Metallica star James Hetfield's upcoming unauthorised biography, The Wolf At Metallica's Door, will be donated to charity Cancer Research - to honour the rocker's parents, who both succumbed to the disease.
Quote: "My goal is to play on every continent so I'm trying to set up a gig in Antarctica... We've already played a show in the North Sea, above the Arctic Circle." Metallica star James Hetfield dreams of a gig at the South Pole.
Quote: "It's borderline pathetic how well we're all getting along." Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich insists the formerly feuding rockers have had a great 2009.
Quote: "I had a guy... who after he tried to discredit me, he says, 'Besides, I'm a Metallica fan anyways.' And I thought, 'What a t**t.' 'Cause, I mean, I am part METALLICA, so what are you saying?!... That's sandbox mentality." MEGADETH frontman and former METALLICA rocker Dave Mustaine on childish rock fans.
Fact: MEGADETH frontman Dave Mustaine is preparing to rock one fan's Christmas. The former Metallica rocker's creative fans will have until 06 December (09) to submit designs for a Christmas card contest, and win the top prize from the hitmaker - a festive phone call during the holiday.
Quote: "I thought I was going to be a rock chick... I used to listen to Nirvana and Metallica." Singer Shakira insists she's an unlikely pop star.
Fact: Metallica star Lars Ulrich and colourful Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider have landed cameo roles in Russell Brand's new comedy GET HIM TO THE GREEK.
Quote: "One of my favourite moments was when Lou Reed turned around to the monitor guy and said, 'Hey, I need more Kirk Hammett in my monitor!' Lou Reed wants to hear more of me! That’s right on." Metallica star KIRK HAMMETT on his performance highlight at the star-studded Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concerts in New York City last week (29-30Oct09).
Fact: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame bosses have lined-up an all-star list of honourees including Bruce Springsteen, U2, Stevie Wonder, Metallica and Aretha Franklin to perform at the organisation's 25th anniversary concert in New York next month (Oct09).
Fact: Metallica stars James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich have turned reporters for the day to interview Alice In Chains for a special U.S. radio broadcast. The rockers questioned the band for the upcoming Inside Alice In Chains: Black Gives Way to Blue programme, which will air on radio stations across the U.S. on 25 September (09).
Quote: "I played drums on TRAIN KEPT A'ROLLIN' with Jimmy Page and Ron Wood and Jeff Beck. It was a mindf**k. I kept waiting for the real drummer to show up." Metallica star Lars Ulrich on his magical night at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Quote: "We're just four dudes having fun onstage and sometimes I feel kind of guilty about that." Rocker James Hetfield is conscious of his charmed life in Metallica.
Fact: Metallica, TOOL and the Foo Fighters are among the heavy rock acts contributing to a new Killing Joke tribute album.
Quote: "One thing I can definitely say is that after the Knebworth show we're planning on breaking up, just because of the tradition that seems to go with playing Knebworth, but I'm sure we'll get back together again the next day!" Metallica's James Hetfield jokes about quitting the group after their first ever show at Sonisphere Festival in Knebworth, south-east England on Sunday (02Aug09).
Fact: Motorhead star Lemmy will appear as a playable character in the GUITAR HERO: Metallica videogame, which is due in stores this spring (09).
Fact: Metallica will headline a new rock festival in Knebworth, England alongside Linkin Park in August (09).
Quote: "Jeff Beck has been one of my heroes since I first picked up a guitar which is really exciting. It would be exciting to play guitar with him at some point." Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett hopes the band's April (09) induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his idolised fellow rocker will help him realise a life-long dream.
Quote: "We probably would've found some clever way to say that we don't care, that we don't give a f**k." Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich admits the rockers would've been angry had they been overlooked as inductees for The 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Fact: RUN-DMC's performance at the Rock + Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Ohio in April (09) will be the rap pioneers' first since the death of DJ Jam Master Jay in 2002. The rap trio will be inducted alongside Metallica, Jeff Beck and Bobby Womack.
Fact: Famed British rock venue the LONDON ASTORIA will close its doors for the last time on Wednesday (14Jan09) after 32 years. The 2,000 capacity venue, which has hosted legendary shows by the Rolling Stones, U2, Nirvana, Metallica, and Pearl Jam, will be bulldozed to make way for a new rail link after a massive public campaign to save it failed.
Fact: The original cover art for Metallica's 1986 album MASTER OF PUPPETS has been sold at auction in New York for $35,000 (GBP23,300).
Fact: Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich sold a famous painting by U.S. artist JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT for $13.5 million (GBP9.1 million) in New York on Wednesday (12Nov08) - exceeding its $12 million (GBP8.1 million) estimate.
Quote: "Lars Ulrich has enough to open up four Metallica museums. One with his stuff, one with my stuff, one with KIRK's (HAMMETT) stuff..." James Hetfield reveals his bandmate hordes band memorabilia.
Fact: Metallica will tour the U.K. for the first time in 12 years in 2009. The rockers have announced a handful of dates in Britain starting next February (09).
Quote: "I don't go up there because LARS (ULRICH) spits a lot. It's an unconscious thing... and you'll catch some of it. I only go up on the riser during mellow songs like NOTHING ELSE MATTERS." Rocker Kirk Hammett refuses to perform alongside drummer Ulrich during Metallica's high-energy numbers.
Quote: "He's a lot more tormented than I realised. The fact that he carried that around in him... I wouldn't wish that on anybody." Lars Ulrich on Metallica bandmate James Hetfield's dark lyrics.
Quote: "He's a lot more tormented than I realised. The fact that he carried that around in him... I wouldn't wish that on anybody." Lars Ulrich on Metallica bandmate James Hetfield's dark lyrics.
Quote: "Metallica are a bit like golf. I can't really see the point but some people obviously can, you know?" Scottish band Glasvegas aren't huge fans of rock veterans METALLICA.
Quote: "I'll play at one in the afternoon, in a parking lot in Ireland. I don't give a s**t. As long as I can do that." Metallica star Lars Ulrich is desperate to collaborate with U2.
Quote: "I like everything about that band except their music." Outspoken Oasis star Noel Gallagher weighs in on rock legends Metallica.
Quote: "I'm not like some (Metallica star) Lars Ulrich f**king character who would have all these kids locked up... As long as I can keep my swimming pool and my Rolls-Royce, that's all I'm worried about." Oasis star Noel Gallagher has little concern about fans who illegally download his music on the Internet.
Quote: "I'm 44-years-old. I argue enough with my kids about finishing their vegetables. I don't like to argue about which guitar solo should be on song nine." Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich refuses to argue with his bandmates.
Quote: "I'm a big fan of the 80s and Madonna. I was a headbanger. MEGADETH's KILLING IS OUR BUSINESS... AND BUSINESS IS GOOD was my first album. Metallica was the first concert that I ever went to. Oh! And I was a huge Menudo fan." Eva Longoria PARKER on her eclectic music taste.
Fact: Metallica star Kirk Hammett, Slayer'S KERRY KING, Scott Ian and Jerry Cantrell will lead an all-star tribute to slain Pantera and DAMAGEPLAN guitarist DIMEBAG DARRELL ABBOTT at the Ozzfest festival in Dallas, Texas next month (09Aug08).
Fact: Metallica will break performance fee records when they perform in Sofia, Bulgaria in July (08) by becoming the first act to be paid $1.6 million (GBP800,000) to play. The heavy rockers will headline at the Vasil Levski Stadium on 25 July (08).
Quote: "Yesterday we had Led Zeppelin blaring through the house. Most new moms play Beethoven, but we're playing Metallica, Bob Marley, THE (ROLLING) STONES." Christina Aguilera and her husband Jordan Bratman are serenading their four-week-old baby MAX with rock and reggae music.
Fact: Heavy rockers Metallica are in negotiations to debut the first song from their next album on hit video game Rock Band.
Fact: Metallica have been added to the packed bill at London's Live Earth global-warming awareness concert on 7 July (07). The star studded concert - one of many to be staged around the world on the same day - will also feature Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, Foo Fighters, Snow Patrol, Madonna, Genesis, Black Eyed Peas, Bloc Party, Corinne Bailey Rae, Damien Rice, Duran Duran, James Blunt, John Legend and Keane.
Fact: Metallica star James Hetfield's customised 1953 Buick Skylark earned the rocker a $7,000 (GBP3,600) prize and a trophy at the recent San Francisco Rod, Custom + Motorcycle Show in California.
Quote: "I have nightmares about playing and one of my old man arms goes flying off into the audience! That would be the best souvenir from a show ever." Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich admits age isn't on his side.
Fact: German Metallica fans were treated to a run through of the band's classic 1986 album MASTER OF PUPPETS at two festivals at the weekend - on Saturday (03JUN06) at the Rock Am Ring festival in Nürburgring, and on Sunday (04JUN06) at the Rock Im Park festival in Nürnberg.
Fact: <p>WEEZER star Rivers Cuomo once fronted Metallica, Yngwie Malmsteen and Kiss tribute bands. </p>
Fact: <p>The members of Metallica have contributed their voices to an episode of The Simpsons, which will air next May (06). </p>