News
News
Metallica announce marching band competition
The For Who the Band Tolls competition has over £150,000 worth of musical prizes on offer
Metallica have launched an inaugural marching band competition named For Whom the Band Tolls. The competition seeks to challenge “marching bands at all levels to craft the most exciting, unique, and impressive performances of Metallica’s music.”
Judges will shortlist bands across five categories covering collegiate and high school level marching bands, with with over $150,000 worth of musical equipment on offer. Metallica singer James Hetfield detailed the competition in a fun video, in which he plays a rendition of ‘Enter Sandman’ on a toy trumpet. Watch the video below.
This open call is not completely spontaneous — Metallica hits have long been a feature of high school and collegiate marching band performances.
The competition website provides sheet music for the likes of ‘One’, ‘Creeping Death’, ‘Master of Puppets’ and ‘Seek & Destroy’. Hopeful bands have until 16 November to submit their covers.
The announcement comes just days before the release of Metallica’s 11th studio album, 72 Seasons.
Metallica play two nights at Download festival on Thurs 8 & Sat 10 June — find tickets here
