ABC/Randy HolmesMetallica will receive the 2018 Polar Music Prize, also known as the “Nobel Prize of Music.” The band will be honored with the prestigious Swedish award during a ceremony held June 14.
“Through virtuoso ensemble playing and its use of extremely accelerated tempos, Metallica has taken rock music to places it had never been before,” reads a statement on the Polar Music Prize website. “In Metallica’s world, both a teenage bedroom and a concert hall can be transformed into a Valhalla. The strength of the band’s uncompromising albums has helped millions of listeners to transform their sense of alienation into a superpower.”
In response to being chosen for the honor, Metallica posted a statement on their Twitter feed that reads, “We are truly humbled and inspired to be recognized in this manner!”
Polar Music Prize winners are awarded with one million Swedish kronor, or about $125,000. Metallica will donate the winnings to their All Within My Hands charitable foundation.
Along with Metallica, the 2018 Polar Music Prize also will honor the Afghanistan National Institute of Music.
Among the previous Polar Music Prize honorees are Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Sting, Elton John, Chuck Berry, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Patti Smith, and Bjork.
Copyright © 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
