The Polar Prize ceremony typically features Swedish musicians paying tribute to the winners, with this year’s festivities set to include performances from members of Ghost and Candlemass. Also performing on the night are Refused frontman Dennis Lyxzén and Scorpions/ex-Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee, who will premiere a piece of music written especially for the occasion. Ian Paice and Roger Glover of Deep Purple will also be present to read the citation.
His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden will present the prize to Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Robert Trujillo to recognise the band’s achievement of joining an esteemed club of Polar Prize winners over the past 29 years.
Each of the current members of Metallica issued a statement in February after they were announced as the Prize recipients, with Ulrich, Trujillo, guitarist Kirk Hammett, and frontman James Hetfield all agreeing they feel “very honoured”.
“Receiving the Polar Music Prize is an incredible thing,” said Ulrich. “It puts us in very distinguished company. It’s a great validation of everything that Metallica has done over the last 35 years. At the same time, we feel like we’re in our prime with a lot of good years ahead of us. Thank you very much.”
The Polar Prize for Music will be awarded to Metallica on Thursday June 14. Find out how Sir Lars Ulrich became Swedish royalty here.
