It’s not every day that you can say you are performing for Metallica, arguably one of the most successful rock bands in the world with over 125 million albums sold since their inception back in 1983 with debut album “Kill ‘Em All”.
Metallica is the only band to have played on every continent, completing the task in 2013 on their “Freeze ‘em All” tour which saw them play a concert in Antarctica.
In 1991, Metallica partnered with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra to create a new take on their (then) greatest hits.
Even Elton John admired Metallica, labeling the band as icons and even covering the hit “Nothing Else Matters” with singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus.
Now covering some of their hits is Clear Lake’s own Hailey Beatty.
Beatty is a junior studying animal science and plays the trumpet as a member of the State Storm band, and one of over 400 members when combined with the ISUC’V’MB (I was at University, Cyclone Football, Varsity, Marching Band), and can now add performing for Metallica as one of her accolades.
But why are Iowa State University and The University of Iowa, along with countless other marching bands, playing for Metallica?
Well, Metallica has called on marching bands to cover their songs for a chance to win a $75,000 prize, along with some bragging rights, of course.
The inaugural Metallica Marching Band Competition has seen big players from across the country, but only Iowa has two universities selected as finalists in the Collegiate – Division 1 category.
Metallica will personally pick the victors with the official announcement slated for the first week in January.
If you are interested in viewing the performances of Iowa State University, University of Iowa, or any of the other participants head to metallicamarchingband.com.
