Metallica Pay Tribute To Ennio Morricone: "Thank You For Setting The Mood For So Many Of Our Shows"

Following his passing earlier this morning (July 6) at the age of 91, Metallica have paid tribute to legendary Oscar winning composer Ennio Morricone – whose 1966 composition The Ecstasy Of Gold has opened the band's shows for over three decades.

The musician died in a Rome hospital after being admitted there last week due to a fall, with his lawyer Giorgio Assumma saying that he “preserved until the final moment full lucidity and great dignity.

“He said goodbye to his beloved wife Maria, who accompanied him with dedication in every moment of his human and professional life and was close to him until his final breath, and thanked his children and grandchildren for the love and care they have given him. He gave a touching remembrance to his audience, whose affectionate support always enabled him to draw strength for his creativity.”

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Joining the outpouring of love and respect from both film and music lovers alike, Metallica have taken to social media to pay tribute to the man whose music has given thousands of fans goosebumps as the band have readied themselves to take to the stage over the years.

“Your career was legendary, your compositions were timeless,” they write. “Thank you for setting the mood for so many of our shows since 1983.”

Frontman James Hetfield also took to Facebook to pay his own respects, writing that he will “forever think of [Ennio] as part of the Metallica family”.

“The day we first played The Ecstasy Of Gold as our new intro in 1983 it was magic!” he said. “It has become a part of our blood flow, deep breathing, fist bumping, prayers and band huddle pre-show ritual ever since. I have sang that melody thousands of times to warm up my throat before hitting the stage. Thank you Ennio for pumping us up, being a big part of our inspiration, and a bonding between band, crew, and fan. I will forever think of you as part of the Metallica family.”

Likewise, System Of A Down frontman Serj Tankian has called Ennio one his “favourite film composers of all time”, while Poison The Well write, “Thank you for your talent. You were a huge inspiration to us.”

As well as opening up Metallica's gigs, The Ecstasy Of Gold has also featured on their live albums Metallica Through The Never, S&M and Live Shit: Binge & Purge. The band also covered the song for 2007 tribute album We All Love Ennio Morricone, with their rendition even getting a GRAMMY nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.

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