It\u2019s not every day you see Metallica and Elton John mentioned in the same breath. But that changed in dramatic fashion at this year\u2019s Gershwin Prize ceremony, where the metal titans paid homage to one of pop\u2019s most iconic figures. Metallica took the stage to perform a roaring rendition of \u201cFuneral for a Friend \/ Love Lies Bleeding,\u201d a medley that kicks off Elton John\u2019s 1973 classic Goodbye Yellow Brick Road\u2014with Elton himself seated front and center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
True to form, Metallica didn\u2019t just cover the track\u2014they transformed it. Infusing the emotional medley with their signature heavy edge, the band brought new life to the timeless tune. James Hetfield\u2019s gritty vocals and the band\u2019s hard-hitting arrangement turned the performance into a fierce, heartfelt tribute. Fans of Metallica\u2019s mid-\u201990s era will recognize echoes of Load in the band\u2019s take on the song\u2014a stylistic choice that\u2019s clearly resonated, with the video amassing over 1.3 million views since its release on April 12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n