Metallica is nothing new for Grammy viewers, being one of the few bands to emerge from the dark depths of metal and gain mainstream awareness. Far fewer are familiar with Lang Lang, the classical pianist with whom Metallica will share the stage with during its Grammy Awards performance. Classical fans know Lang's name well, but hopefully they'll give us a break for offering a brief profile so the rest of the world can catch up.
Lang has been perhaps the most popular name in classical piano since his emergence during 1999, although his flair for performance caused some in the conservative scene to bristle. Earl Wild, once the Lang of his day in terms of virtuosic talent, referred to the younger player as "the J. Lo of piano."
Nonetheless, prominent appearances began to pour in. He played numerous, acclaimed shows in Asia and Europe, and earned the Grammy's title of cultural ambassador to China. He made his Grammy performance debut in 2008, joining jazz legend (and fan) Herbie Hancock for George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Later that year he returned to China to perform in the opening ceremonies of the Olympic games, and would play Barack Obama's Nobel Peace Price award ceremony during 2009.
So what's a classical pianist going to do on stage with a thrash/heavy metal behemoth Metallica? Fans will recognize the band's appreciation for classical work based on its acclaimed live album S&M, where Metallica performed its own music accompanied by the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Odds are the collaboration will be electric; instrumentally and otherwise.
