Metallica Adds A Classical Twist To Their Fiery Version Of “One,” But Was It Metal Enough?

By Mark Graham

January 26, 2014 / 11:20 PM

metallica grammys

It's been 22 long years since Metallica performed at the Grammy Awards. The heavy metal gods were at the height of their critical and commercial success in 1992 when they tore up the Grammys stage with a killer performance of "Enter Sandman," but tonight's performance of their stone classic "One" was able to match that moment thanks in part to a very interesting twist: The addition of Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang.

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According to an interview that Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich gave yesterday, the idea to pair up with Lang Lang originated from their camp. These artists, who seemingly could not be more different on the surface, ended up bonding musically in no time whatsoever when they first met on Saturday (yes, YESTERDAY). Lars said that it only took 45 minutes to get their rehearsal to the place that they wanted it, and tonight's performance confirmed that these two disparate acts were definitely on the same wavelength.

Guitarist Kirk Hammett paid tribute to the band's late friend, Lou Reed, by wearing a t-shirt baring the image of Reed's classic Transformer LP, but the nightmarish stage design was the most memorable thing about this number. Performing against a backdrop of barbed wire and giant video screens showing soldiers glumly walking into battle, the dark and somber vibe of the song was definitely brought to life.

All that said...

Was Metallica's Grammy Performance "Metal" Enough?

[Photo: Getty Images]