Metallica manager tells why the band uses Ennio Morricone as show intro

The song “Ecstasy of Gold” by the legendary Italian composer Ennio Morricone is since 1983 by Metallica as the intro of their concerts. The famous musician died at the age of 91 in July 6 and in an interview with Loudwire, Jon “Jonny Z” Zazula, the manager of the Thrash Metal group revealed why they use Morricone’s song.

Metallica manager explains why the band uses Ennio Morricone song as show intro:

“I’ve always been a huge Morricone fan. I was looking for an intro song to be played prior to Metallica’s performance onstage. Something emotional to get the crowd ready.”

“I was tossing around [another Morricone composition, also from ‘The Good, The Bad & The Ugly’] titled] ‘The Trio’ because of the fiery coronets at the finale of the song but ‘Ecstasy of Gold’ won.”

After Morricone’s death news James Hetfield talked about the musician on his social networks:

“The day we first played ‘The Ecstasy of Gold’ as our new intro in 1983 it was magic! It has become apart 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. R.I.P. Maestro Morricone. With respect, –James ‘papa h'”

Ennio Morricone

Ennio Morricone was an Italian composer, arranger and conductorwho wrote songs in different styles. Morricone composed more than 400 scores for cinema and television. In addition to more than 100 classical works. His soundtrack for The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) is considered one of the most influential soundtracks in history and was introduced to the Grammy Hall of Fame.

His filmography includes more than 70 award-winning films, all of Sergio Leone’s films from A Fistful of Dollars, all of Giuseppe Tornatore’s films from Cinema Paradiso, The Battle of Algiers, Dario Argento’s Animal Trilogy, 1900, Exorcist II, Days of Heaven. several important films in French cinema, in particular the comedy trilogy La Cage aux Folles I, II, III and Le Professionnel.

Also other Hollywood productions like: The Thing, The Mission, The Untouchables, Mission to Mars, Bugsy, Disclosure, In the Line of Fire, Bulworth, Ripley’s Game and The Hateful Eight.