Metallica Book Iowa Benefit Show, Reveal ‘Hit the Stage’ Opening Band Finalists
It's all about the touring for Metallica in 2017. The band have been adding dates to their "WorldWired" tour in support of the Hardwired ... To Self-Destruct album and they've just tacked on a benefit show. Plus, the band has narrowed the list of local bands that may join them on their U.S. touring in their "Hit the Stage" opening band competition.
As for that newly added date, you can look for the band playing in Newton, Iowa at the Iowa Speedway in support of the Native Fund. They'll be joined at the show by their tourmates Avenged Sevenfold and Volbeat. The show is set for Friday, June 9.
The Native Fund was founded by actor Ashton Kutcher and NFL star Dallas Clark in 2008 as a way to give back to the local residents of the state they both grew up in. They are committed to raising funds and organizing resources that can be used to assist the people of Iowa in their times of need including relief through its financial and programmatic resources to Iowans suffering from a natural disaster, to post-9/11 veterans who are in need medical or other assistance, and to children afflicted with life-threatening illness or disease.
"We’re honored that Ashton and Dallas invited us to be a part of this special event and look forward to giving back to a state that has been so supportive of Metallica throughout our career. Hope to see you there," state the band.
Tickets for the benefit concert will be available to the band's Fifth Members during a pre-sale this Wednesday (April 19) at 9AM local time. Meanwhile, the general public on-sale date starts this Friday (April 21) at 10AM local time, with tickets available here.
In other Metallica news, the band's "Hit the Stage" competition has been narrowed down to just a select few remaining bands. The group launched the competition, deciding to have a local act fill the vacant opening spot in five markets where only one of their support acts is available to join them.
As you'll see, there are eight finalists and some familiar names among them. The group receiving the most fan votes will join Metallica as the opener for five dates this summer. The finalists include Blood People (YouTube / Website), Local H (YouTube / Website), Hallow Point (YouTube / Website), TROY (YouTube / Website), Immortal Guardian (YouTube / Website), Shattered Sun (YouTube / Website), Mothership (YouTube / Website) and Messer (YouTube / Website).
The winning band will be chosen based on the number of votes and then will join Metallica at stops in Foxborough, Mass. (May 19, Gillette Stadium), St. Louis, Mo. (June 4, Busch Stadium), San Antonio, Texas (June 14, Alamodome), Dallas, Texas (June 16, AT&T Stadium) and Chicago, Ill. (June 18, Soldier Field).
You can place your votes for your favorite act among the finalists at this location. The competition ends on April 25 at 5PM PT.
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