HOLLYWOOD -- This year's "MTVIcon," the cabler's musical tribute event, will honor Metallica.
"MTVIcon: Metallica" will tape before a live audience in Los Angeles on May 3 and premiere on the music cabler May 6 at 9 p.m. Event will feature performances and testimonials from artists and celebrities who have been influenced by the band, its videos and music.
For the finale, Metallica will take the stage for a set that will mark the band's debut television performance with new bass player Rob Trujillo.
The inaugural "MTVIcon" paid tribute to Janet Jackson in 2001; Aerosmith was honored in 2002. The franchise celebrates the careers of one band or recording artist each year for contributions to music, musicvideos and pop culture.
With over 85 million albums sold worldwide, Metallica is the No. 5 top-selling artist in the SoundScan era. "St. Anger," its first new album in five years, is scheduled for release June 10.
Executive producers of "MTVIcon: Metallica" are Tom Calderone, Dave Sirulnick and Lorraine Coyle.
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