Legendary rock band Metallica is launching an inaugural marching band competition. Aptly named “For Whom The Band Tolls,” all levels of marching bands can participate for up to $150,000 in prizes. All they need to do is play the best, most badass, unique version of some of the band’s favorite songs. No problem! Marching bands are no stranger to using the football field to really wow its crowds.
Of course, this competition will have to sort through some pretty impressive groups. Which is why the competition is broken up into five tiers. Including Collegiate Division 1 with a prize of $75,000; Collegiate Division 2 rewarding $40,000; and High School Division with a prize of $15,000. The competition will be narrowed down to five finalists via judges, with Metallica having the final say. That’s not all, though. Competitors can also win prizes via audience votes. Collegiate and High School can win roughly $10,000 for being fan favorites. Announcement for the competition comes in a hilarious video of James Hetfield trying and failing to play toy instruments.
The cash prizes aren’t the only rewards, either. The winners will receive instruments, gear, and furnishing for their school’s band program. Provided by big-time sponsors such as Zildjian, Tama, KHS America, D’Addario, and Gator. All in partnership with Sweetwater. Those are some pretty sweet rewards, if you’ll forgive the pun. Marching bands are no stranger to performing some amazing renditions of rock band songs during football half-time shows. This competition is the chance for them to really bring it and show their chops.
Check out all the details (and maybe even enter!) on the official website here.
