In April 1999, Metallica played two nights at the Berkeley Community Theatre. However, these were no normal metal concerts. The band partnered with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra to record their 1999 live album S&M, an abbreviation for Symphony and Metallica.
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Some were skeptical about the combination of the SFSO and the biggest metal band on the planet. However, the end result is magical. The orchestra brought a new depth to many of the band’s songs. “One” from their 1988 album …And Justice for All is among the best examples of how good the combination could be. Watch them breathe new life into the fan favorite below.
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The orchestra helps transform this metal classic into something epic and cinematic. The extra depth they bring to the song is most apparent in the bridge and the instrumental break that leads into it. The SFSO brings an air of tension to the transitional period, making the explosive solo after the bridge hit that much harder.
S&M Marks a Turning Point for Metallica
S&M was the first of two live albums Metallica recorded with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. It also marked a turning point for the band. Bass player Jason Newsted left the band after recording the live album after more than a decade. The next album, St. Anger, would see the band record as a trio with producer Bob Rock standing in on bass. They hired Robert Trujillo after completing the album.
Interestingly, the band’s original bassist, the late Cliff Burton, is partially responsible for the collaboration. Along with being one of the most celebrated musicians in metal, Burton was a fan of classical music. He also brought elements of classical compositions into the band’s music on Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets.
Metallica’s second collaboration with the SFSO, S&M2 (2020), featured a beautiful version of “(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth” in honor of Burton. The new arrangement captured all of the grit of the original instrumental and added a layer of classical delivery that he likely would have enjoyed.
Featured Image by Mariscal/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
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