Metallica announced for free New York show

Metallica will appear at this year’s free Global Citizen festival in New York in September, it’s been announced.

James Hetfield and co will join Eddie Vedder, Chris Martin, Cat Stevens and others at the fifth annual event, which seeks to encourage the concept of everyday people helping solve the world’s social problems.

It takes place at Central Park on September 24, with a live video stream via YouTube and MSNBC, and audio on iHeartRadio.

Tickets will be available via a draw to those who earn enough points by taking part in Global Citizen challenges, which include signing online petitions and sending emails and tweets to encourage change.

The organisation say: “Over the last five years, millions of global citizens took over six million actions to solve the world’s biggest challenges.

“The actions have resulted in 130 commitments and policy announcements that will affect the lives of 656 million people by 2030.”

Metallica’s 10th album is expected in the coming months.

11 things Metallica would rather do than finish their new album

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.