On Thursday, June 14th Metallica – along with fellow laureate Dr. Ahmad Sarmast, founder of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) – will be awarded the Polar Music Prize from His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
The Polar Prize website states: “The 2018 Polar Music Prize is awarded to the American band Metallica. Not since Wagner’s emotional turmoil and Tchaikovsky’s cannons has anyone created music that is so physical and furious, and yet still so accessible. Through virtuoso ensemble playing and its use of extremely accelerated tempos, Metallica has taken rock music to places it had never been before. In Metallica’s world, both a teenage bedroom and a concert hall can be transformed into a Valhalla. The strength of the band’s uncompromising albums has helped millions of listeners to transform their sense of alienation into a superpower.”
THE POLAR MUSIC PRIZE was founded in 1989 by the late Stig ”Stikkan” Anderson, one of the true greats in the history of popular music. As the publisher, lyricist and manager of ABBA, he played a key role in their enormous success. Its name stems from Anderson’s legendary record label, Polar Music. The Polar Music Prize is one of the most prestigious and unique music prizes in the world, crossing over musical boundaries and awarded to individuals, groups and institutions in recognition of exceptional achievements.
Previous recipients of the Polar Music Prize include; Sting, Emmy Lou Harris, Chuck Berry, Yo-Yo Ma, Youssou n’Dour, Patti Smith, Bjork, Peter Gabriel, Led Zeppelin, BB King, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and more.
For fans outside of the Polar Music Prize Scandinavian broadcast regions, follow along with Metallica throughout the week on Metallica’s socials as they explore Stockholm on Tuesday, Lars participates in the “Meet the Laureates” Polar Talk on Wednesday, and for the ceremony itself on Thursday!
“We are truly humbled and inspired to be recognized in this manner and hope you will follow along with us throughout the whole experience!” said the band in their latest e-newsletter.
For more information about the Polar Music Prize visit polarmusicprize.org.
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