Metallica awarded Polar Music Prize

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Los Angeles: Legendary rock band Metallica has been honoured with the prestigious Polar Music Prize. 

The group said they felt proud to get accepted by mainstream music as they received the award in Sweden, reported Billboard.

The American heavy metal band, founded by drummer Lars Ulrich - was presented with the gong by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Roger Glover and Ian Paice, of the British rock band Deep Purple.

"Who would have thought, when Metallica started this musical journey 37 years ago, that one day we would be standing in front of both musical royalty and actual royalty, accepting one of the most prestigious prizes that can be bestowed upon musicians?

"The type of music that we play was not supposed to be acknowledged or embraced by the mainstream, the media, or even large audiences.... And finally, while this award acknowledges Metallica's achievements of the past 37 years, as we stand here in this glorious moment, may the Danish kid in me shout out to the world 'Look Mom, we're just getting started!''' Ulrich said. 

The band is donating the prize money they have received to charity.

The international prize was founded in 1989 by Stig 'Stikkan' Anderson - the manager of pop legends ABBA - and recognises ''significant achievements in music''.

It is awarded to one contemporary and one classical musician each year.

Previous winners of the prize include Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder.