Metallica to receive 2018 Polar Music Prize

Metallica are the co-laureates of the Polar Music Prize 2018, sharing it with the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM).

The prize was set up by Abba’s late manager Stig Anderson in 1989 and each laureate gets 1 million Swedish Kronor (A$158, 608).

The ceremony takes place on June 14 at Stockholm’s Grand Hôtel, with a banquet presented by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

Past musician winners have included Sir Paul McCartney, Quincy Jones, Elton John, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Björk, Patti Smith, Joni Mitchell, Sting, Emmylou Harris, BB King, Bjork, Paul Simon, Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Keith Jarrett and Wayne Shorter.

The judges wrote of Metallica: “Not since Wagner’s emotional turmoil and Tchaikovsky’s cannons has anyone created music that is so physical and furious, and yet still so accessible.

“Through virtuoso ensemble playing and their use of extremely accelerated tempos, Metallica have taken rock music to places it had never been before.”

Metallica’s Lars Ulrich said: “Receiving the Polar Music Prize is an incredible thing, it puts us in very distinguished company.  

“It’s a great validation of everything that 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. Thank you very much.”

ANIM was founded in 2010 in Kabul by Dr. Ahmad Sarmast, after the civil war, during which time (1996 to 2001), music was completely banned in Afghanistan. 

ANIM focuses on supporting the most disadvantaged children in Afghanistan in safe spaces.

Marie Ledin, managing director of the Polar Music Prize, commented: “We believe that our two recipients, although from very contrasting worlds, exemplify the mission of the Polar Music Prize, and that is to honour musicians and music organisations, whose work has made a difference to people’s lives.

“Metallica are loved and admired by millions of hard rock fans across the globe. 

“They have led where other bands have followed and their 2017 world tour broke all records.

“Dr Ahmad Sarmast founded the Afghanistan National Institute of Music to restore the joy and power of music to children’s lives. ANIM’s work with young people and disadvantaged children is truly inspirational.”