Metallica 'wowed' over Hall of Fame
Metallica say they're "wowed" at being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The thrash giants have been announced amongst 2009's inductees and the ceremony will take place in Clevelend, Ohio, on April 4. They're joined by Run DMC, only the second rap act to enter the hall, and Jeff Beck, who's already in there as a member of the Yardbirds.
Metallic have released a statement saying: "Wow - what a great way to start 2009! We are beyond proud. It has to be 25 years since your first record was released to be eligible - and it certainly doesn't feel like it's been that long.
"We are keeping company with some amazing and legendary performers."
The band recently released return-to-form ninth album Death Magnetic, and were the second-biggest grossing rock band in the USA during 2008, despite the album's release in the last quarter.
For the first time since its creation in 1986, the ceremony will be open to the public. Tickets go on sale on January 24.