VIDEO: Metallica Releases Self-Quarantine Performance of ‘Blackened 2020’
“Here’s a little something we cooked up over the last few days,” the heavy metal legends explain
May 5, 2020
Metallica is once again lifting fans spirits during the COVID-19 crisis by serving up a blast from the past.
The Stern Show veterans just delivered a quarantine edition of “Blackened,” the opening track off their seminal 1988 album “…And Justice for All.” Dubbed “Blackened 2020,” the restrained reimagining shows frontman James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Kirk Hammett, and bassist Robert Trujillo rocking out from their respective homes amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Here’s a little something we cooked up over the last few days. Hope you’re all safe & sound,” the heavy metal legends wrote in a message accompanying the video.
Metallica’s spring was originally supposed to include a tour with Greta Van Fleet while its summer calendar had been packed with festival appearances, but in the wake of the outbreak the band—like so many others—now finds itself social distancing at home. “Blackened 2020” appears to be the foursome’s first fresh collaboration since quarantine went into effect, but in previous weeks the band had kept fans entertained with a weekly concert series showcasing some of their favorite performances from years past.
As Howard noted on Monday’s Stern Show, Lars’ sons Myles and Layne Ulrich have been making music of their own from home, too. The brothers went viral last week after Lars recorded them rocking out with a high-tempo, instrumental cover of “Eleanor Rigby.”
“Holy shit, these boys, I mean they can really play. They’re professional musicians,” Howard said after hearing their version of the classic Beatles tune. “It’s an interesting take – just a bass and a drum.”
