Talk about a meeting of the minds. In a collaboration that could either be really great, or really terrible (or just literally the sum of their parts), Metallica announced on their official site that they have just wrapped recording sessions with the legendary Lou Reed, he of The Velvet Underground fame, and an all-around music innovator. The band met Reed at the 25th Anniversary of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame and decided to make a record together. Here is the full statement from the band:
“A few months ago our own Kirk Hammett hinted at a new Metallica project that’s “not really 100 percent a Metallica record.” While Kirk may have jumped the gun a little (and has since been properly punished with a series of push-ups!), we are more than proud to announce that we have just completed recording a full length album that is a collaboration with none other than the legendary Lou Reed.
“Ever since we had the pleasure of performing with Lou at the 25th Anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at Madison Square Garden in October of 2009, we have been kicking around the idea of making a record together. Some of you astute Bay Area residents may have picked up news of recent Lou Reed sightings in the greater San Francisco area and we have indeed been working at our home studio at HQ on and off over the last few months. In what would be lightning speed for a Metallica related project, we recorded ten songs during this time and while at this moment we’re not exactly sure when you’ll hear it, we’re beyond excited to share with you that the recording sessions wrapped up last week.
“A true innovator and easily one of the most influential songwriters, musicians, and performers in rock music history, Lou’s work with the Velvet Underground and as a solo artist has such an enduring quality that he has long been revered and respected by us and many of our peers. We can’t wait for you to listen to the finished record, so as we like to hear ourselves say around here, keep watching this spot for updates . . . we’ll be back with more details as they come together.”
I am super intrigued to hear what comes out of these sessions. I would think that Lou Reed is talented enough not to fuck this up, but then again, Lars Ulrich was also in the room. No word yet on when we could expect to hear any of this, or why Metallica chose now to announce this, but either way guys…you have our attention! Here is a clip of the band performing with Mr. Reed at said Hall of Fame ceremony:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuYcbEYbN_A[/youtube]
