Metallica Chooses USC Band for New Video Game Soundtrack
The University of South Carolina (USC) marching band has achieved a remarkable feat by being selected by Metallica for an upcoming video game soundtrack. This announcement came on January 30, after the band showcased their talents during a performance at Williams-Brice Stadium. USC emerged victorious in a national competition that challenged college marching bands to deliver unique renditions of Metallica’s music.
Metallica’s National Competition
Metallica organized the third annual Marching Band Competition — Collegiate Edition, inviting university bands across the nation to participate. Robert Trujillo, the band’s bassist, revealed the winner in an announcement video. He praised all submissions for their creativity and teamwork, emphasizing the spirit of music present in every performance.
USC’s Winning Performance
USC’s marching band secured its victory through a halftime performance at their October 18 game against Oklahoma. Despite the predetermined performance schedule for the 2025 season, the band quickly adapted to create an impressive Metallica-themed show. Their set list included:
- “Master of Puppets”
- “Lux Aeterna”
- “Enter Sandman” (arranged by Ben Pouncey, USC School of Music graduate assistant)
Upcoming Collaboration with EA Sports
As part of their prize, USC will record a Metallica song along with the opening theme for EA Sports’ College Football video game. Alongside USC, six other Division I schools were also honored for their performances, including:
- Virginia Tech
- University of Illinois
- Riverside City College
- Bridgewater College
- Indiana Wesleyan University
Financial Reward and Recording Details
Moreover, the USC band will receive a financial reward of $50,000. EA Sports plans to send a recording team to USC this spring to capture their live performances. The recordings will eventually be released on Spotify, allowing fans to enjoy the collaboration.
In his concluding remarks, Trujillo encouraged everyone to support their local marching bands, acknowledging their significant contribution to the future of music and performance. The partnership between Metallica and the USC marching band marks an exciting new chapter for both the band and the fans.
