Metallica’s Glasto set up for award

Metallica’s controversial headline appearance at Glastonbury is in the running to be voted the best of 2014.

The thrash giants last night won the Film Of The Year Award for Through The Never at the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour gala night in Los Angeles.

And they could add a UK Festival Award gong next month if they top the shortlist of 12, after public polling closed last month with more than 700,000 people registering their preferences.

They’re up against Linkin Park (Download), The Prodigy (Sonisphere) and the Red Hot Chili Peppers (Isle Of Wight) and others.

Metallica became the first heavy band to close the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm in June. The announcement led to 80% of those who had bought tickets wanting to sell them, an online petition to have organiser Michael Eavis change his mind, and a backlash from some bands who claimed James Hetfield and co shouldn’t be there.

Drummer Lars Ulrich told TeamRock: “Glastonbury is like the Holy Grail in England, and we’re respectful to that. But if somebody sits there and talks about petitions or what some other guy says, there’s a point that it just becomes ridiculous.”

But the set has opened the door to future appearances by big-name rock acts, with AC/DC believed to be in the running for 2015.

Ulrich presented a Music Industry Trust Award to Eavis earlier this week, calling him “the greatest rock star in England.”

UK Festival Awards Best Headline Performer shortlist

Arcade Fire – Glastonbury

Arctic Monkeys – Reading & Leeds

Biffy Clyro – T In The Park

Foals – Bestival

Kasabian – Glastonbury

The Killers – V Festival

The Libertines – British Summer Time

Linkin Park – Download

The Prodigy – Sonisphere

Metallica – Glastonbury

Red Hot Chili Peppers – the Isle Of Wight

Suede – Kendal Calling

Freelance Online News Contributor

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.