We’ve all seen the incredible viral videos of world class sign language interpreters backing up some of the world’s biggest artists on stage. From Amber Galloway’s work with Kendrick Lamar, to Justina Miles show stealing performance alongside Rhianna at this year’s Superbowl half-time show. Their interpretations are often as entertaining to watch as the shows themselves and help thousands of deaf music fans around the world enjoy live music on another level.
However, Bay Area thrash legends Metallica have been taking inclusiveness one step further over the past couple of weeks. Marking National ASL Day on April 15th with the release of their first ever ASL music video for 72 Seasons. As well as announcing plans to release similar content for every track from the chart topping album. With the help of DPAN and Amber G Productions.
Check out the full ASL music video for 72 Seasons below:
On April 25th, Metallica made good on their promise, uploading every track from 72 Seasons, complete with written lyrics and a full ASL translation. Making them not just the first band to release an entire album in ASL, but also the only band to have ever released full length music videos featuring an ASL interpreter.
When asked about the heavy metal titans latest move towards inclusiveness, Deaf Professional Arts Network co-founder Sean Forbes had this to say- “It is our hope that more bands, artists, performers, will follow the example set by Metallica and make their music accessible in American Sign Language. There is an entire community of deaf music fans that are ready to experience more music and Metallica doing this speaks volumes to the deaf and signing communities”.
The full 72 Seasons ASL playlist is available to check out via YouTube, with 72 Seasons also being available to buy now on CD and vinyl.