METALLICA is less than two weeks away from its induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the band has confirmed that former bassist Jason Newsted will attend the ceremony. Guitarist Kirk Hammett also told The Pulse of Radio that Newsted will perform with the group at the event as well. "Jason Newsted will be there, and he will be playing with us at one point," he said. "We went as a band when BLACK SABBATH was being inducted, and at that time BLONDIE was also being inducted that night. And there was so many politics and so much drama that, you know, we collectively said to each other, 'We don't want any of that,' because it kind of, it puts a really bad, sour note on the whole celebration itself."

Hammett also told The Pulse of Radio that the band is in the midst of deciding what songs it will play at the ceremony.

The Hall of Fame induction will take place on April 4 at the Hall's Public Auditorium in Cleveland. METALLICA will be inducted by RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS bassist Flea.

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich spoke with the Los Angeles Times about several topics, including whether or not the band needs a major label to move forward with its career now that its contract with Warner Bros. Records is done. Ulrich replied, "Without offending any of the good people from the record company in the room, no . . .We're doing a bunch of shows with Trent (Reznor, NINE INCH NAILS) this summer in Europe. I look forward to sitting down and talking to him about what's on his radar."

On the proposed merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, Ulrich said, "We haven't sold out to Live Nation, and we are certainly not planning on it. And we are very, very fortunate that we do not need what they offer to continue to be who we are." Ulrich added that the recent scandal involving Ticketmaster redirecting ticket buyers to its official "scalping" site was "very distasteful," adding, "It's just ripping people off. It's impure. So obviously I'd stand up and scream from every rooftop that I think that's . . . impure."