James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett of Metallica stopped by the X Games in Austin, TX on Saturday to perform a heavy take on "The Star Spangled Banner." Hammett took the lead during the instrumental rendition of the national anthem while Hetfield fulfilled his supporting role with power chords and solid harmonies.
The duo rocked into feedback before ending the performance with an abundance of head banging, throwing fists in the air and wild cheers from the audience. The metal band performed a full set while headlining with Nicki Minaj on the Super Stage. The rest of the line-up included artists such as Kid Ink, Talib Kweli, Pennywise, Glitch Mob, Joy Wave and Deltron 3030.
Show your support, come out to the show or download it for a good cause. Thanks !! https://t.co/8NPb7FyQQQ
— Kirk Hammett (@KirkHammett) June 5, 2015
The show was recorded and professionally mixed to be pre-ordered for $5 dollars through July 15 on Metallica's website. All earnings from the audio recording will aid victims impacted by the recent and devastating flooding in Central Texas.
Thanks @XGames and Austin, had a blast !! pic.twitter.com/cca6Fgg62m — Kirk Hammett (@KirkHammett) June 7, 2015
Aside from performing the national anthem as well as a full concert at the X Games, Metallica provided an innovative theme song for the sports exhibition this year. Joining forces with Glitch Mob to remix "Lords of Summer," the collaboration ended with a lengthy eight-minute track they debuted last summer during a concert in Bogota, Colombia.
Over the last three years, Hammett and Hetfield have showcased their metal rendition of the national anthem as homage to the annual San Fransisco Giants' "Metallica Day."
