Metallica’s First-Ever BBC Session Full Video Performance Streaming, Band Offers L.A. Promo Recap
Some of the world's most legendary rock and metal acts (Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest) have famously recorded live BBC radio concerts, famously dubbed the "BBC Sessions." Typically, these sessions have been tracked during a band's formative years, but not for thrash kings Metallica, who completed their first last fall.
Filmed on Nov. 17 of 2016, the entire session footage has just been made available on Metallica's YouTube channel (seen above). The band played a five-track set, which included "Atlas, Rise!," "Moth Into Flame," "Harvester of Sorrow," "Hardwired" and the all-time hit "Enter Sandman."
Between each song are interviews with James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich as they spoke with BBC Radio 1's Rock Show host Daniel P. Carter. When Hetfield discussed his lyrics, he stated, "I want to mature, I want to be happier in life – I think everyone kinda does – at some point I had to turn around and embrace that anger that has been with me since youth. What I get to do is use it as a tool; I get to use music as a voice... to get whatever's spinning in my head out."
While the back half of 2016 was inarguably huge for Metallica, things are only looking bigger this year with a world tour in support of Hardwired... To Self-Destruct imminent. The band has booked scattershot dates throughout the globe, but have yet to reveal a full itinerary concerning their road plans.
In our interview with bassist Robert Trujillo, he said Metallica were eyeing a return to the U.S. in May. Previously, Trujillo had also suggested that the band would indeed be embarking on a U.S. stadium tour, acknowledging the rumors.
In mid-December, the band did a whirlwind of press in Los Angeles, appearing on radio station shows and podcasts in addition to performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and an intimate show at the Fonda Theatre (photos here). Check out a video recap from the handful of days below.
Metallica: Los Angeles Promo Tour Recap
See Where Metallica Ranks Among the Top 50 Hard Rock + Metal Live Acts of All Time
10 Unforgettable James Hetfield Moments