Metallica’s James Hetfield + Kirk Hammett Perform National Anthem at NBA Finals Game

loudwire.com ^ | 6/15/2015 | Anya Zadrozny

[rktman]

Game 5 of the NBA Finals took place Sunday night (June 14), and Metallica’s James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett were on hand to perform the National Anthem before the Golden State Warriors hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers. Watch footage of their performance above to see Hetfield and Hammett rock out on their guitars in honor of America.

[rktman]

In case you missed it last night. Which I did. I first found an article about it on the blaze and I hate subjecting anybody to the constant barrage of "Join Glen" pop up so I found it someplace else. Beats the crap out of rosie o singin' it for sure. On a side note, we went to see Charlie Daniels Saturday night. Front row. Hell yeah. They did a rendition of "How Great Thou Art".............lump in throat, standing ovation good. Awesome show CDB.

[grania]

I thought it was an appropriate, unique interpretation of the Star Spangled Banner.

[kjam22]

I’m a guitarist. I thought they did good. BUT.... Me.... I’d rather just hear a really good singer sing the song really well.

[Rusty0604]

Thanks, big Metallica fan here.

[glennaro]

I agree.

[rktman]

I play guitar also(I try anyway) and while I enjoyed it, I think I’d also rather hear a good vocal of it. No, not imitating the guitar sounds while doing some air guitar, the actual lyrics. :>}

[Michael.SF.]

I had mixed feelings. Not a fan of heavy metal or Metalica, but if they were indeed playing from the heart and expressing that in the way they know best, then I can respect that.

I'm with you though; give me a good singer who sings it the way it should be sung.

[Mathews]

I wonder how much they got paid to do that? I just read about some ultra-rich guy who paid the Rolling Stones 2 million dollars to play a small bar in California. Pretty cool rendition.

[moehoward]

Probably would have been better had Kirk handled it solo…..

[Buckeye McFrog]

Several years ago Foreigner did an a capella version prior to a Pittsburgh Pirates game. Absolutely beautiful rendition! And most of them are Brits.

[Tonytitan]

They didn’t disrespect the Anthem.

[Squidpup]

Thought it was great. Better than some of these singers who think they need to “re-interpret” the notes and go all over the place

[GrandJediMasterYoda]

Nobody will ever do it better than Jimi Hendrix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjzZh6-h9fM