Lang Lang to Join Metallica for Beijing Show, Will Reprise Grammy Performance

Steven Schwankert | Jan 13, 2017 8:27 am | 4 comments | 1803 reads

Beijing Conservatory of Music graduate Lang Lang will reunite with unlikely collaborators Metallica when the latter comes to liberate local music fans on January 18. 

The classical pianist and the metal band appeared together at the 2014 Grammy Awards, performing Metallica's anti-war epic "One," in a well-conceived but awfully executed performance. The band's official website confirmed the performance, and promoter AEG indicated they will play the same song again. You can listen to that performance here or watch it here.

"One" was not included in the songlist for Metallica's two-night stand in Shanghai in 2013. On one hand, it will be great to hear the group play this classic in Beijing, but on the other hand, no it wouldn't if they're just going to overdo it again. Couldn't they collaborate in Shanghai instead? They love that kind of shit down there.

Metallica stops in Shanghai on January 15, ahead of their January 18 Beijing show at the Le Sports Center. The band is currently scheduled for a third China show on January 20 in Hong Kong. The Shanghai concert is still showing ticket availability at the lowest-priced, highest-price, and a couple of in-between price categories. Beijing is, of course, sold out. 

Lang Lang, to his credit, seems to like these kinds of collaborations. He has also appeared on the Grammy Awards show three times, with Herbie Hancock, Pharrell Williams, and Metallica, respectively. Lang also seems to enjoy the occasional corporate gig. Our Kyle Mullin interviewed the double-named wonder back in 2011, which you can read here.

Photo: Metallica.com

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Steven Schwankert's picture Steven Schwankert Submitted by Guest on Wed, 01/18/2017 - 10:48

Here is Metallica's setlist as played in Shanghai on January 15:

Note: Setlist regulars like Master of Puppets, One and Creeping Death were not played due to Chinese government censorship. First public show that Hardwired was not played since its premiere, presumably for the same reason, and first normal headlining show where no songs from Master of Puppets were performed since 1985.

Steven Schwankert's picture Steven Schwankert Submitted by Guest on Sat, 01/14/2017 - 15:36

**** SPOILER ALERT: Do not read if you wish to be surprised by Metallica's setlist on January 18 ***

Here is Metallica's setlist as played in Seoul, South Korea, on January 11:

. The Ecstasy of Gold (Ennio Morricone song)

. Hardwired Intro

. Hardwired

. Atlas, Rise!

. Sad But True

. Wherever I May Roam (followed by Kirk's solo)

. The Unforgiven

. Now That We're Dead (live debut)

. Moth Into Flame

. Harvester of Sorrow (followed by Rob's solo)

. Halo on Fire

. The Four Horsemen

. One

. Master of Puppets

. For Whom the Bell Tolls?(followed by Kirk's second solo)

. Fade to Black

. Seek & Destroy

. Encore:

. Battery

. Nothing Else Matters

. Enter Sandman

 

Tim USA's picture Tim USA Submitted by Guest on Fri, 01/13/2017 - 13:19

good reason not to attend the concert.... why lower the quality of the show,,,, anyone who has ever been to a metallica concert will understand my meaning.... there is no one in china that can even be worthy of licking their boots,,, let alone play with them.... sorry to see them whoring themselves like this...

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