Metallica's 85-year-old fan meets band, gets special song dedication
Margaret Priebe, the 85-year-old Metallica fan who became a viral sensation after her story appeared in Thursday's St. Petersburg Times, was invited backstage for a meet-and-greet prior to the band's show last night (Saturday, October 3) at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida. Each member of Metallica spent a little time with her, sharing stories of her favorite album, "S&m". Guitarist Kirk Hammett also mentioned that his mother now has some competition! In addition, guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield dedicated the song "Nothing Else Matters" to Margaret at the sold-out concert, which was attended by more than 18,000 people.Nine years ago, Margaret turned on the radio and discovered Metallica's 1999 "S&m" album, recorded with the San Francisco Symphony, according to the St. Petersburg Times. She had never heard such a racket before - but she loved it. Last year, she endured a cancer battle with help from her trusty Mp3 player, loaded up with Metallica, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne. She's cancer-free now, but still cranks the tunes.
"I like Metallica - there's nothing wrong with them," said Margaret. "People think I'm weird. But I'm sorry, I like it loud."
"Mom likes Lars [Ulrich, Metallica's drummer]," said her son, Jim, 48, who builds Koi ponds and waterfalls. "She likes drummers."
"Lars is cute," said Margaret. "But I like 'em all."
For the St. Petersburg Times story, Margaret was asked if she'd like to meet Metallica - Hetfield, Ulrich, Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo. She smiled and said "Oh sure," but added "I wouldn't know what to say! I'd be so nervous!"
Photos below courtesy of Metallica.com
