Portsmouth lord mayor enters inauguration ceremony to Metallica classic
Tom Coles says he's a "big heavy metal fan"
Last updated 25th May 2023
The new Lord Mayor of Portsmouth entered his inauguration ceremony on Tuesday (16th May) to the crushing sounds of Metallica.
Councillor Tom Coles walked into Portsmouth Guildhall for his making ceremony in lavish mayoral robes while the Metallica’s 1988 song ‘Eye of the Beholder’ played through the venue’s soundsystem.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent about his song choice, the Labour Portsmouth City Council councillor said he’s a “big heavy metal fan” and he wanted to “go with what he liked.”
"It went down well with the audience, I had a really good feedback," Coles enthused.
"(‘Eye of the Beholder’) a good song to walk in to. It's got a little build-up and then it's got a good beat, it's a great song."
The second single from Metallica’s fourth album ‘... And Justice for All’, ‘Eye of the Beholder’ was penned by James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and Lars Ulrich.
Not performed live in its entirety by Metallica since way back in 1989, the song is about the imposed limitations on freedom of expression.
Alongside his Metallica song choice, Lord Mayor Tom Coles quoted the Star Trek language of Klingon during his speech.
Metallica headline the completely sold out Download Festival on Thursday 8th and Saturday 10th June as part of their global M72 Tour.