Metallica: Back To The Front is headed your way in September and tells the definitive story of Master Of Puppets and the subsequent tour that followed its release. An update from Metallica follows:

“Yes, it really does exist... Metallica: Back To The Front, the definitive story of Master Of Puppets and the subsequent tour that followed its release, hits bookstores and online sellers on September 13th, 2016!! A very special Collector’s Edition of the book will be available two weeks earlier on August 30th, 2016 through Metallica.com and MoonriseMedia.net.

“Two years in the making, we’re beyond excited to finally share it with you. To refresh your memories, we teamed up with acclaimed award winning author Matt Taylor (Jaws: Memories From Martha’s Vineyard) and you all jumped in to assist us in putting the pieces together by sending your photos, videos, stories and mementos. We hit the storage lockers, attics and basements to fill the book with hundreds of never-before-seen images pulled from our personal archives and have been involved every step of the way to bring you the complete story. The deluxe edition comes in a sleek case that includes a hardcover, clothbound, limited edition copy of the 276 page book and a portfolio containing a 1.25” x 1.25” piece of an original roadcase used to ship the band’s equipment to Denmark for the recording of the album and on the tour that followed its release.

“Matt sat with us for exclusive, intensive interviews and we dug deep in our memory banks for stories, anecdotes, tidbits and tales from the studio, the road and beyond. A huge thanks to the people who were a part of our history at that time who sat with Matt, including record producer Flemming Rasmussen and the man who mixed it, Michael Wagener. Matt also tracked down the entire MOP road crew including John Marshall and members of the bands who toured with us, Anthrax and Armored Saint. Our booking agent, tour promoters and managers, Cliff Burnstein and Peter Mensch, all were overly generous with their time and recollections. Faith No More guitarist Jim Martin and drummer Mike Bordin and Diamond Head’s Brian Tatler spoke with Matt about their memories of those crazy times. Of course you, the fans who were at those shows gave us an amazing view of your memories and experiences. Finally, we’re honored that Cliff Burton’s dad Ray sat down for an extensive interview.

“As we continue to celebrate 30 years of Master Of Puppets, in honor of the release of the book we’ve teamed up with ESP Guitars to give Fifth Members a chance to win a very limited edition Master Of Puppets guitar. Now you can customize Metallica.com with the new Master Of Puppets skin. If you’re in the mood to hear some live music all eleven shows from the 2006 summer tour (those of you counting note that was the 20th anniversary of the release of the album!) featuring live performances of the entire album are now available on CD in the Met Store. Keep watching here and on social media for sneak peaks of the book, videos with us chatting about the making of and other fun and games as we’ll be celebrating all throughout August.

“Oh, one more thing. We’re pretty sure that some of you will wonder about the re-mastered versions of Master Of Puppets we told you were in the works. They still are! As we keep digging in the vaults, we’re finding more and more music and video so that we can bring you an even bigger, more comprehensive, no stone-unturned version of the album. As always this is the place for more info as we have it!”

Metallica have announced that they will be a part of this year’s Global Citizen Festival in New York City on September 24th.

Says the band: “The fifth annual free-ticketed event held on the Great Lawn in Central Park brings together tens of thousands to celebrate the accomplishments of their campaigning efforts to enact global change. Joining us will be the best of the best across many musical genres including Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Major Lazer, Eddie Vedder, Yusuf Cat Stevens, and more.

“What is Global Citizen? A social platform for anyone passionate about learning and taking action on the world’s biggest issues including girls and women’s education, health, water and sanitation, environment, and food aid. Global Citizen works with some of the most effective organizations in the world to achieve Global Goals and end extreme poverty.

“So how do I participate and go to the show? Visit this location to learn how to complete online actions to be a part of this year’s Festival “Education Campaign” promoting equitable and quality education for all, particularly refugee children, and access for girls and women and you could win tickets. A limited number of VIP tickets will also be available for purchase through Ticketmaster on Thursday, July 28th at 10 AM, EDT. VIP tickets include a limited edition lithograph and laminate, a separate entrance, and other amenities on site.

“Can’t make it to NYC? YouTube will be streaming the full concert, MSNBC will air a live network simulcast as well as streaming on MSNBC.com, or you can listen thanks to our friends from iHeartRadio.com.

“For more information about how to engage, all the artists performing and hosting, schedules, and enter the prize draws for tickets, visit globalcitizenfestival.com. Hope to see you there!”