Ian Anderson is open to collaborating with Metallica on a metal song.
The musician responded positively when asked by Thomas S. Orwat Jr. in a 2014 interview if he’d consider teaming up with Metallica, mentioning that he has previously worked with various acts, including those in hard rock, metal, and even thrash metal.
Anderson Talks Metal And Thrash Collaborations
He explained, “So yeah, I do from time to time do that sort of thing because it’s a challenge for me to work, especially as a flute player to find a way to make that fragile little voice work in the context of the ultimate sort of aggressive loud rock music.”
Anderson further mentioned, “So I’ve kind of had fun doing that with a number of acts, usually just playing on a record but yeah, I think it’s true to say that I’ve played on a few genuinely hard rock or metal albums, not necessarily by famous people.”
In 1988, the Grammy Awards introduced a category for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance. The nominees included AC/DC, Iggy Pop, Jane’s Addiction, Metallica, and Jethro Tull. Many were surprised when Jethro Tull won, considering their music wasn’t categorized as heavy metal.
Reflecting On Jethro Tull’s Grammy Victory Over Metallica
While Metallica was expected to win, Jethro Tull took home the award for ‘Crest of a Knave.’ Anderson recalled the moment, saying, “Well, I think Metallica were actually very gentlemanly on record. You know, at the time, when they did win the Grammy next year, as I predicted they would, they took out a page in Billboard thanking the record company, their friends, and their family for supporting them.”
He added, “Even the dog — I mean, they thanked everybody including Jethro for not releasing a new album that year. They had a sense of humor about it, I think they took it on the chin even though everybody was busy telling them they were going to win a Grammy.”
Anderson also noted, “And then, unfortunately, that year they didn’t. You know, they were the hot new acts, and surely they were going to win it the following year, and of course, they did.”
Anderson said it was a bit embarrassing as the record company had pushed for their nomination. He was surprised by the reaction when Metallica eventually won.
