METALLICA ARE ACTUALLY DOING SOMETHING KINDA COOL FOR THEIR THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY

It’s rare that I feel like I can get behind something Metallica-related in the modern age, but this is actually pretty sweet. The band will be celebrating their thirtieth anniversary with four “unique shows” at The Fillmore in San Francisco on December 5, 7, 9, and 10; the concerts will “include special guests and events, rare songs, varied set lists, odds and ends, and all the nutty stuff you expect from Metallica.” (Like horrible vocals and drumming.)

But that’s not really the cool part — this is: the shows are only for Metallica fan club members. And while that may sound like a rip-off, those Met Clubbers are going to pay next to nothing for their tickets. From the band’s official website:

“Participate in the entire week of festivities with special four pack tickets (one ticket for each of the four shows) and automatic entry into the contests for various other special events, available for the clever price of $19.81 (get it??). If you can’t join us for the full week, we’ll have individual show tickets too and as you can see we’re going back to early ’80’s ticket pricing (but not the hair!)… single show tickets will be just $6.00 each. Both four packs and individual show tickets will be available for Fan Club members only through a reservation system and we do have to add facility fees, blah, blah.”

As Metal Insider points out, “While a membership to the Met Club can cost you anywhere from $45 to $60, you really can’t beat this deal.” I don’t even think Metallica sound good live anymore, but if you disagree with me, this is about as little as you’ll ever pay to see Metallica. And it might be interesting to see who these “special guests” are. Lou Reed, who has been collaborating with the band on a new album? Dave Mustaine, who seems to have kissed and made up with the Metallicats as much as he ever will? Jason Newsted, maybe?

ANYWAY, the band is accepting reservations through August 8. Go here for more details.

-AR