Billboard.com is reporting that METALLICA members were asked at the 21st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction dinner (held Monday night at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York) whom they'd like to induct METALLICA when the group is inducted into the Rock Hall down the road. "[SABBATH drummer] Bill Ward said they would play if we get inducted," guitarist James Hetfield said, before drummer Lars Ulrich interjected, "Dave Mustaine," the MEGADETH frontman who was famously booted from the pre-fame METALLICA in the early 1980s.

METALLICA are currently working on a new studio album while gearing up for a run of South African shows this month and summer European festivals. "We've been working on the new record for the last three months," Ulrich told Billboard.com. "It's been the best experience we've had writing in as long as we can remember. We've been on such a great roll [that there are] no therapists needed," he added, alluding to the "coach" who was brought in to help band members make it through the recording of 2003's "St. Anger".