Legendary Metallica return to Singapore after 20 years

James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammett of Metallica perform during the 2013 Orion Music + More Festival on June 8, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammett of Metallica perform during the 2013 Orion Music + More Festival on June 8, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

The heavy metal gods smiled fire and brimstone on Singapore Monday with the news that the one-and-only Metallica will perform at the Changi Exhibition Centre come August 24.

Lauded both critically and commercially for their intense, uncompromising sound – showcased in classics like “Master of Puppets” and “Enter Sandman” – the band last played in the city-state in 1993 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Founding members Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield were present then, together with guitarist Kirk Hammett. Fast-forward two decades and the trio, plus bassist Robert Trujillo, are primed to unleash their thunderous arsenal of noise on the first-ever concert to be held at the Changi Exhibition Centre.

Concert organisers LAMC Productions opted for a virgin venue because there were no existing ones “large enough for Metallica”, according to a press release.

James Hetfield of Metallica performs during the 2013 Orion Music + More Festival at Belle Isle Park on June 9, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images)
James Hetfield of Metallica performs during the 2013 Orion Music + More Festival at Belle Isle Park on June 9, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images)

The American band was formed in 1981 and has since stormed into the annals of music history as one of the most influential and successful acts of all time.

After moving over 100 million records and sold-out tours to legions of head-banging fans all over the globe, Metallica are still powering on. The Grammy-winning Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famers are currently working on their tenth album and have a 3D film due for IMAX release later this year.

Who: Metallica Live in Singapore.
Where: Changi Exhibition Centre. Public shuttle service will be provided to and fro the concert venue at $5per trip.
When: Saturday 24 August 8pm
How: Tickets are priced from $148 to $188 and go on sale 28 June 9am at www.sistic.com.sg