Metallica pay tribute to Ennio Morricone: Your compositions were timeless

Metallica
Metallica (Image credit: Herring & Herring)

Metallica have paid tribute to Ennio Morricone after the legendary Italian composer died earlier this week at the age of 91.

Metallica play Morricone’s The Ecstasy of Gold before every show, with the band even covering the track on the 2007 tribute album We All Love Ennio Morricone.

The band said on Twitter: “RIP Ennio Morricone. Your career was legendary, your compositions were timeless. Thank you for setting the mood for so many of our shows since 1983.”

Metallica’s James Hetfield later posted his own personal tribute to Morricone, calling him "part of the Metallica family."

Hetfield said: “The day we first played The Ecstasy Of Gold as our new intro in 1983 it was magic! It has become apart of our blood flow, deep breathing, fist bumping, prayers and band huddle pre-show ritual ever since. 

“I have sung that melody thousands of times to warm up my throat before hitting the stage. Thank you Ennio for pumping us up, being a big part of our inspiration, and a bonding between band, crew, and fan. 

“I will forever think of you as part of the Metallica family.”

Morricone scored more than 500 films throughout his career, including Once Upon A Time In The West, The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, The Hateful Eight, The Untouchables and The Mission.

Meanwhile, the band have broadcast the latest episode in their ongoing Metallica Mondays series, showcasing their set from Lisbon’s Parque do Tejo from June 28, 2007 – part of Metallica’s Sick Of The Studio tour.

Watch the show below.

Scott Munro
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Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more for Louder. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, The Tragically Hip, Marillion and Rush.