The opening track from John’s 1973 album, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, was delivered with heaviness by Metallica, as expected, at the invitation-only event at Washington, DC’s D.A.R. Constitution Hall on March 20.
“We had an incredible time at this year’s #GershwinPrize for Popular Song, recognizing the achievements of our friends Elton John and Bernie Taupin,” shared Metallica online.
Hosted by Billy Porter, the all-star tribute concert also featured performances by John, Garth Brooks, Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Metallica, Maren Morris, Charlie Puth, Jacob Lusk of Gabriels, and Porter.
Bestowed in recognition of the legendary songwriting team of George and Ira Gershwin, the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is the nation’s highest award for influence, impact and achievement in popular music. The honoree is selected by the Librarian of Congress in consultation with a board of scholars, producers, performers, songwriters and music specialists.
Established in 2007, the prize honors living musical artists whose contributions in the field of popular song exemplify the standard of excellence associated with George and Ira Gershwin. Criteria for selection include: artistic merit; influence in promoting music as a vehicle of cultural understanding; impact and achievement in entertaining and informing audiences; and inspiring new generations of musicians.
Previous recipients are Paul Simon; Stevie Wonder; Sir Paul McCartney; songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David; Carole King; Billy Joel; Willie Nelson; Smokey Robinson; Tony Bennett; Emilio and Gloria Estefan; Garth Brooks; Lionel Richie; and Joni Mitchell.
PBS premiered the concert — “Elton John & Bernie Taupin: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song” — on Monday, April 8 (check local listings for broadcast date and time in your area), available via broadcast and streaming on PBS.org and the PBS App as part of the co-produced Emmy Award-winning music series.
Metallica will resume its M72 concert series in support of their latest album, “72 Seasons”, with two shows in Munich, Germany in late May.
Get your copy of “72 Seasons” here.
See also:
Metallica win Grammy Award for 72 Seasons
Metallica stream Master Of Puppets from debut Saudi Arabia performance
Metallica stream Detroit performance of Wherever I May Roam
Metallica share Detroit performance of Fuel
Search Metallica at hennemusic
