Last month when it was announced that heavy metal legends Metallica would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the band held a press conference and were asked what band they'd most like to see inducted. Guitarist Kirk Hammett's choice was none other than Rush:

I'd have to say Rush. I think they're a great band who took rock to a different level altogether in terms of songwriting and technical proficiency. And I believe that they deserve to be in the Hall of Fame.

Metallica have often cited Rush as one of their influences and even thanked the band in the liner notes to their 1986 album Master of Puppets. Now it's singer/guitarist James Hetfield's turn to give Rush some love. In a recent Reuters interview Hetfield had the following to say regarding the band's induction:

... Hetfield expressed some embarrassment at being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before some acts who were an inspiration for Metallica. Metallica will be made a member of the illustrious club on April 4.

"We've been nominated and we are still alive," he said.

"It's ironic that a band that has been inspired by all of these other ones are getting in there before them. We are going to go up there and kick some ass and kick the door down for some heavy bands that have not been recognized, like Rush and Kiss." ...

Metallica will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at Public Hall in Cleveland, OH on Saturday, April 4th. Thanks to kcraiglowe for the heads up.

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