Metallica to Headline 2015 X Games in Austin
UPDATE: X Games performers the Glitch Mob have released a remix of Metallica‘s “Lords of Summer” on their Soundcloud page. The remix has been named the event’s official anthem.
Metallica will perform in Austin, Texas for the first time in six years when they take the stage at the 2015 X Games, which take place June 4th through 7th. The heavy metal act, who will perform June 6th, joins Nicki Minaj as Super Stage headliners at this year’s event. Talib Kweli, Kid Ink, Pennywise, Deltron 3030, Joywave and the Glitch Mob will also perform at the extreme sports showcase.
In the exclusive video above, the group sat down with pioneering skateboarder Tony Hawk to announce their appearance. “It only makes sense that people who grew up on Metallica are wanting to continue to skate and do the cool things that they do,” Metallica frontman James Hetfield tells Hawk.
“It’s awesome! We get to see our music inspire people all over the world and hopefully we’ll get to see our music inspire people,” Hetfield adds to Rolling Stone. “We’re pretty jazzed. We’re excited to get there and X Games has been going on for a while; it’s about time! The music does something to you. When athletes are already really good and the music takes them to another place, you can’t explain that.”
“It always seemed like the skaters and the surfers were really connected to the music of Metallica,” bassist Robert Trujillo adds. “The style and the way that I play, low center of gravity, has a lot to do with skating and surfing and even snowboarding. It’s kind of a natural thing for me. Fans are great everywhere.” It isn’t just extreme sports fans that rock to The Black Album band; recently, the San Francisco Giants celebrated their third annual Metallica Day with the group in attendance.
“There’s a connection to those type of people. It’s similar energy. You see at these events they’re playing a lot of hard rock metal and punk rock,” Trujillo adds. “The tribe that followed that style of music is still around for the sports. These guys are listening to that music. It’s important to them. It’s a part of their lineage. I’m excited. One of the things I enjoy is hearing the music and seeing the skating. Seeing the two worlds working together at the same time.”
“Metallica has helped provide the soundtrack for action sports since I can remember,” Hawk tells Rolling Stone. “Having them play at X Games is huge, so I’ll be front and center for their concert.” Tickets for this year’s X Games are available now at Ticketmaster.