|
 Founded in 1989 by Stig Anderson, publisher and manager of the
Swedish band ABBA, the Polar Music Prize has become a coveted
accolade in both classical and popular music.
"Receiving the Polar Music Prize is an incredible thing," said
Metallica's drummer and co-founder Lars Ulrich in a statement on
the band's website.
"It puts us in very distinguished company. It’s a great
validation of everything Metallica has done over the last 35
years. At the same time, we feel like we’re in our prime with a
lot of good years ahead of us."
Previous winners of the Polar Music Prize include Yo-Yo Ma, Paul
Simon, the Kronos Quartet, Patti Smith and Björk.
The prize committee lauded Metallica for their virtuoso ensemble
playing and the reach of their music.
"In Metallica's world, both a teenage bedroom and a concert hall
can be transformed into a Valhalla. The strength of the band's
uncompromising albums has helped millions of listeners to
transform their sense of alienation into a superpower", the
committee said.
[to top of second column] |
Founded in 1981 by drummer Ulrich and guitarist and singer James
Hetfield, is one of the most commercially successful rock acts in
history, having sold 110 million albums worldwide.
Two prizes are given out each year, traditionally to one classical
and one pop musician. The committee also rewarded the Afghanistan
National Institute of Music and its founder Ahmad Sarmast.
The winners will receive their awards, including a check of 1
million Swedish crowns ($124,000), at a gala in Stockholm on June
14.
($1 = 8.0395 Swedish crowns)
(Reporting by Johan Sennero; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)
[© 2018 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2018 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
 |
