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Metallica’s Marching Band Competition Is Back For Year Two

Author Meltdown
James Hetfield of Metallica performs at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.

They did it last year and it went over so well, they’re bringing it back again this year. Metallica’s Marching Band Competition is back!

According to the press release, The Metallica Marching Band Competition which saw nearly 500 colleges and high schools across the U.S. create exciting, dynamic, and unique performances of Metallica music while vying for prizes valued at nearly $200,000, is back for a bigger, bolder and brassier second year. Sign-ups are open at metallicamarchingband.com from June 6 through the week of September 23, with submissions due the week of November 25.

It went on to talk about how bands have more chances to win. Each of the five original categories—College (Division 1), College (Divisions 2 & 3), High School (Large), High School (Medium), and High School (Small)—has now been expanded to include awards for first, second and third place, with winners in each category ultimately selected by the members of Metallica according to the release.

The Fan Favorite award is back again with voting running December 1st through the 31st.

Metallica’s Marching Band Competition

Some good stuff is up for grabs to the winners. Winners will receive instruments and gear for their schools’ music programs, provided by Metallica, in partnership with Sweetwater, with sponsorship from TAMA and others to be announced.

Once again, the link to enter is http://metallicamarchingband.com

Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history. Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.

The Weekend Wrap Up With Metallica In Detroit

I know this past weekend was going to crush, but it CRUSHED! Metallica at Ford Field was everything I had hoped for and more.

For me, the surprise of the weekend was how much I really enjoyed Pantera. Just to hear Phil Anselmo’s voice yelling out those classic songs was something I’d forgotten about. Just classic! Zakk and the band nailed it! I guess I shouldn’t be surprised as everyone who has seen them play has told me how good they were.

The biggest rush I got was seeing Metallica take the stage for the first time. It’s no secret I’m a huge fan and even use “The Ecstasy Of Gold” intro when I come on the air every day, so seeing that live never gets old. The stage, the way they took it, the banter after on it after half the crowd had piled out, was all original and all Metallica.

My weekend started by interviewing bassist Robert Trujillo for a two-part conversation. That went very well, as I knew it would. Robert’s a solid guy and an awesome player! I guess I was most intrigued to find out how much Motown music played in his early musical formation. You can go to my page to see both conversations.

It was also cool to spend some time with drummer, Charlie Benante. I’d never really met him before, although I’ve been around him. I found him very nice. He’s somewhat quiet, but a pleasure to hang out with and a legit music fan. He really enjoyed the museum.

A huge Thank You goes out to all the WRIF listeners who stopped by my broadcast Friday night to check in with me. It was non-stop, and I appreciate you guys. Even when I wasn’t “working” at the show on Sunday, I was constantly stopped by you guys to say Hello…Thank You! Also, a shout to my friends from The Struggle Within Michigan. Hit them up, follow their socials, and let’s grow this chapter to one of the biggest in the country!

Pictures from Friday’s show can be found here. Sunday’s show can be found here.

Ok, time to rest……just kidding!

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