Who's behind the notes? Discover Metallica: The Definitive Biography
"The Ecstasy of Gold" is actually not a Metallica song, but rather an instrumental piece composed by Ennio Morricone. However, Metallica has a strong association with this piece due to its use as the intro music for their concerts. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic musical introduction:
Composer: "The Ecstasy of Gold" was composed by the legendary Italian composer Ennio Morricone. He originally wrote it for the soundtrack of the 1966 spaghetti western film "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," directed by Sergio Leone.
Movie Soundtrack: As mentioned, the piece was created for a film score. It's known for its dramatic and intense orchestration, which fits perfectly with the tension-filled scenes in the movie.
Metallica's Connection: Metallica has used "The Ecstasy of Gold" as the intro music for their concerts since the 1980s. It's become an iconic part of their live performances, creating anticipation and excitement among their fans as they prepare to take the stage.
Cover Version: Metallica recorded a cover of "The Ecstasy of Gold" for Morricone's tribute album, "We All Love Ennio Morricone," which was released in 2007. Their version adds a heavy metal twist to the classic composition.
Live Performances: Metallica's use of this piece as an intro is known for its theatricality. It often involves dramatic lighting and video effects, creating a memorable and immersive concert experience.
Ennio Morricone's Praise: Ennio Morricone himself praised Metallica's cover of "The Ecstasy of Gold," stating that their version was "incredible" and that they did a great job with it.
So, while "The Ecstasy of Gold" is not a Metallica song, it has a special place in the band's live performances and has become an iconic part of their concert experience.