METALLICA HITS THE ROAD TO HELL & BACK IN 2011

In last month's Classic Rock magazine music mega-producer Peter Mensch dropped a bombshell. Metallilca, managed by Mensch and partner Cliff Burnstein's QPrime, Inc. will be staging a massive 2011 tour. This tour, which will rival the massive undertaking of Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' is now being described as more than just a stage show. "We, or Metallica will take you to hell and back."

"We plan to capture the full Metallica show and make use of all current technologies - this will be the Avatar of concert films." Mensch added "did I say concert film? It will be much more than just a concert film."

When asked about guests, Mensch replied "obviously Michael Kamen (composer/conductor behind Metallica's symphony shows) cannot be there. But, his ideas will be there." "What (Kamen) started will be expanded on. Singers, actors, the whole nine yards."

When pressed for dates, Mr. Mensch shrugged "the itineraries are just starting. I'd expect a dozen shows in North America, maybe twice that around the world."

The anniversary of Metallica's self-titled fifth album may have something to do with this massive undertaking, but does this mean we may hear new material soon? "Hell and back isn't just the idea. It's the whole idea behind this tour. Did I say tour? It's the concept that we'll be bringing to life."

More Metallica on Billboard.com