Metallica are continuing to brand themselves anywhere and everywhere, proving that they aren’t just a band, they’re an empire. Recently, the thrashers from San Francisco were featured in an ESPN commercial about their apparent “lack of work” after player Mariano Rivera retired recently and Metallica were part of the ceremony which sent the World Series winner and 13-time All Star off to retirement with a live version of “Enter Sandman” – which is undeniably the band’s biggest hit and Rivera’s entrance song. Metallica has had an interesting summer, appearing pretty much anywhere they want to, including a highly protested appearance at the Glastonbury festival. It seems that Metallica has zero limitations and can insert themselves anywhere into popular culture without any problem.
The premise of the commercial shows Metallica at ESPN headquarters, discussing the future plans for the entrance song as Rivera is now retired. The band is then seen in various scenarios, interacting with the sportscasters while trying to pitch themselves in various fashions. Metallica is portrayed as being unable to find any work and is on ESPN premises to try and figure out the next step. ‘Master Of Puppets’ as a track for a pro golfer? Kirk Hammett even solicits guitar lessons to members of the sports network (coincidentally, a flyer on the billboard gives out a number to call to schedule lessons and actually has a message from Kirk announcing that he is really scheduling lessons – nice touch!) Metallica is in fact extremely busy right now ,working on the follow up album to Death Magnetic which will be the first full album of new material to be featured on the band’s label Blackened Recordings. Check out the awesome ESPN commercial featuring Metallica below. Here at All Axess we all have our favorite Metallica albums, but what’s yours?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoPYP-58SHU