Metallica auction national anthem guitars

James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett of Metallica

Hetfield and Hammett perform before the game

Metallica have launched charity auctions for the guitars used by James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett to play the US national anthem at an ice hockey game earlier this week – and the total bids have already topped $11,000.

The duo performed The Star Spangled Banner ahead of a Stanley Cup match between their team the San Jose Sharks and Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins went on to win 3-1.

Metallica said: “Our congratulations to the Sharks for winning the Western Conference title and skating in the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in their history.

“In keeping with our tradition of supporting all our hometown teams, James and Kirk will hit the ice.”

The National Hockey League later opened the auctions, which close on June 15. To date Hetfield’s ESP guitar has reached a price of $8025 while Hammett’s ESP has reached $3075, with a total of 42 bidders. Both instruments, which will be signed by all four members of Metallica, started at $500. The proceeds will go to the Sharks Foundation and Little Kids Rock charities.

The band are expected to release their 10th album later this year.

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Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.