A Metallica show is incomplete without Ennio Morricone’s “Ecstasy of Gold” opening. Regardless of the set list, their initial introduction is what kicks off the event. For those who don’t know, seeing these thrash icons is more than just a concert. A few would consider it an event of a lifetime. For years the legends have walked onto the stage during the tune, bringing fans into tears of joy seeing their idols. For instance, their surprise gig at NYC’s Webster Hall last September seemed off, simply because The Good, Bad, and Ugly theme did not preface them hitting the stage.
Back in 2014 at the Mill Valley Film Festival, James Hetfield presented the classic Clint Eastwood film and reflected on Metallica’s history with the composer.
“I actually identified with each person in the movie — the ugly one, the good and the bad. Without getting too deep, metaphorically, we all have that in us, we all have the potential to be each one of those.”
Later, Hetfield discussed the specific track, “The Ecstasy of Gold,” as he shared that the song was chosen by the band’s first manager stating:
“That was one of the coolest things that our first manager ever did. That was pretty much the only thing that we kept from him, advice-wise.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYOb1CB2J-Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-E-ZCz6lgw
[via UltimateClassicRock]
