Metallica to Receive 2018 Polar Music Prize

Story by Anne Erickson, photo by Ken Settle

Metallica will be honored with the 2018 Polar Music Prize, also referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Music.” The legendary metal band will officially receive the distinguished Swedish award at a special ceremony set for June 14. Previous Polar Music Prize honorees include Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Sting, Elton John, Chuck Berry, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Bjork and Patti Smith.

“Through virtuoso ensemble playing and its use of extremely accelerated tempos, Metallica has taken rock music to places it had never been before,” a statement declares on the Polar Music Prize website. “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.”

Metallica, of course, is thrilled about getting the honor. After being picked for the honor, Metallica posted a statement on their Twitter feed saying, “We are truly humbled and inspired to be recognized in this manner!”

As as the 2018 winner of the Polar Music Prize, Metallica will be awarded with one million Swedish kronor, which is about $125,000. Metallica will give all of the winnings to their All Within My Hands charity foundation. In addition to honoring Metallica, the 2018 Polar Music Prize also will pay tribute to the Afghanistan National Institute of Music.

Publication date: February 15, 2018

Anne Erickson
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Posted by Anne Erickson | Metal, Music, Rock News

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