James Hetfield of Metallica performs at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierThey 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
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!
Ok, time to rest......just kidding!
Pantera drummer, Charlie Benante, and my friend Tim took in the Motown Museum earlier in the week.
Will SpurrierI was lucky enough to get a two part interview with Robert Trujillo before the weekend's shows.
Jade SpringartThe Metallica Pop-Up store was crankin' all weekend.
Jade SpringartJade took a walk down the Pop-Up store on Thursday.
Jade SpringartThere was something for every Metallica fan at the Pop-Up store, including beach balls....more on that later.
Jade SpringartMore from the Pop-Up Metallica store.
Jade SpringartOne last picture from the Pop-Up store.
Struggle Within Michigan Metallica Fan ClubThe Struggle Within Michigan fan club held a party to raise money at Thomas Magee's in Eastern Market. They raised over $1,400 for the AWMH Metallica Scholars Initiative.
Struggle Within Michigan Metallica Fan ClubI was honored to help the fan club give out prizes at Thomas Magee's.
MeltdownGreat to make a new friend in Eric Olson, the owner of Thomas Magee's. I cannot recommend the Smoked Blackened Old Fashions enough!
Struggle Within Michigan Metallica Fan Club founding member, Kurt Schwarz and me.
MeltdownThe calm before the Metallica storm. This picture was taken around 2:30 Friday afternoon.
Will SpurrierWolfgang Van Halen of Mammoth WVH takes the stage at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Wolfgang Van Halen
Will SpurrierWolfgang Van Halen of Mammoth WVH shreds during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Pantera Ford Field
Will SpurrierPhil Anselmo of Pantera rocks the house during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023. Were you there? Pantera was awesome!
Pantera Ford Field
Will SpurrierZakk Wylde of Pantera points to the sky during a solo at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023. Pantera got the crowd ready for Metallica!
Struggle Within Michigan Metallica Fan ClubOn platform #1 getting ready for Metallica.
MeltdownJames Hetfield ready to take the stage for show #1 Friday night at Ford Field.
Will SpurrierJames Hetfield of Metallica performs at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierLars Ulrich of Metallica hops to another drum kit on the M72 World Tour stage, performing at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
MeltdownAlways a great day when you get to hang with Blackened master mixer/distiller Rob Dietrich.
Struggle Within Michigan Metallica Fan ClubSaturday found fans lined up to meet Metallica singer James Hetfield and get a copy of his book signed.
Struggle Within Michigan Metallica Fan ClubJames signing copies of his book at Third Man Records on the Saturday between show dates.
Struggle Within Michigan Metallica Fan ClubKurt from Struggle Within Michigan Metallica Fan Club getting his book signed by James.
Struggle Within Michigan Metallica Fan Club....mission accomplished!
Blacked held a bottle signing on Saturday with Rob Dietrich and Kaveh Zamanian.
Struggle Within Michigan Metallica Fan ClubThe Black Box lounge for Metallica fans.
Struggle Within Michigan Metallica Fan ClubHow cool is this? A WRIF sticker was spotted in the Black Box Lounge for the fans.
GREAT to see my friend David Ellefson at the shows this weekend. Sunday was his 59th birthday!
Will SpurrierIce Nine Kills referenced multiple classic horror films during their performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierSpencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills holds up a decapitated head during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierIvan Moody of Five Finger Death Punch perches on top of a monitor during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierZoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch points to an audience member during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Struggle Within Michigan Metallica Fan ClubFrom platform #1 at Metallica. Those beach balls were a hot commodity.
MeltdownA picture as Metallica takes the stage at Ford Field.
MeltdownJames Hetfield during show #2, killing it!
Will SpurrierJames Hetfield, Robert Trujillo and Lars Ulrich huddle together during a performance at Ford Field on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierMetallica's Kirk Hammett melts faces with a guitar solo at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
MeltdownMetallica taking their final bows at Ford Field.
MeltdownWhat A Weekend!
MeltdownThat's it, a GREAT weekend with Metallica in the books! Barry approves!
