Heavy metal magic

James Hetfield of Metallica bumps fists with pianist Lang Lang as they perform "One" at the 56th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California January 26, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

Exclusive interview with Lang Lang and Lars Ulrich

Pathfinder pianist

Wang bought the most expensive ticket, 1,680 yuan ($274), and flew to Shanghai to watch the band's concert last year. "That's the best show I have ever seen. I booked the ticket three months before the concert because I didn't want to miss it."

Metallica also felt the feverish enthusiasm of Chinese fans during the band's five-day stay in Shanghai.

"You can tell from the atmosphere that people have been waiting for years. When we went onto streets, it felt like a collective sigh of relief," recalls Ulrich. "The audience and the band became one when we performed onstage. The show went to another level. It's really special."

He also says that their performance with Lang brought them closer to China and they will try to return to the country in 2015.

"When you go to a country for the first time, there is always potential for the next level to happen. Shanghai has such a rich history and world culture, Asian culture and European culture. It's a great place to hang out. We look forward to coming back," he says.

Recording Academy president Neil Portnow has named Lang as its Grammy Cultural Ambassador to China in 2008 and is counting on him to promote the Grammys in China.

Lang says the Grammys are focusing significant attention on China, with a goal to potentially establish a regional award show similar to the Latin Grammys.

"We are very close to it. I believe that more Chinese musicians will perform at the Grammys. It's a perfect stage for musical friends to be united," he says.

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