Jack White, the iconic guitar player, songwriter, and performer who also owns and operates Third Man Records in Nashville, Tennessee, is happy that the famed heavy metal rock band Metallica has bought a vinyl press.
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He called it “outstanding.”
Metallica earlier this month bought a majority stake in Furnace Record Pressing in Alexandria, Virginia, which is one of the biggest vinyl pressing plants in America.
In the past, White hasn’t been shy about talking about the need for more record labels and bands to buy pressing facilities. So, hearing about Metallica’s big purchase, he posted on his Instagram a kudos.
“Welcome to the cause gents!” wrote White on social media. “And thank you for putting your money to amazing creative use!”
White added, “Here’s hoping the major labels will also see this as further proof, and finally start investing in themselves. Outstanding.”
Metallica even replied in the comment section of the post, writing, “So unbelievable and grateful to be able to do this after all these years. Who would’ve thought that this was even possible back in the day?! You have pioneered all of this, and we’re psyched to follow in your footsteps!”
In other vinyl news, the physical format outsold CDs for the first time in 35 years in 2022. And music sales, in general, were up last year by three percent.
“Furnace has been great to Metallica and more importantly to our fans,” said Metallica lead singer James Hetfield of the band’s purchase. “This deepened relationship between Metallica and Furnace ensures that fans of vinyl everywhere, particularly our Fifth Members, will have continued access to high-quality records in the future.”
Looks like vinyl is becoming more and more safe thanks to rockers Jack White and Metallica. Here’s hoping many more follow suit and keep the industry thriving.
Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images
