Metallica’s Surprise SXSW Set

“We are an unsigned band from Norway,” said Metallica frontman James Hetfield, before diving into a surprise hour and a half set at SXSW Friday. “Maybe we get signed.”

What followed was an extensive tour of Metallica’s catalog: everything from “One” and “Harvester of Sorrow” to “Sad But True” and “Master of Puppets.”

The boys showed up at SXSW to rock, but also to fiercely promote their new video game, Guitar Hero: Metallica, which comes out March 29.

“God bless loud live music,” Hetfield concluded.

Kanye Does SXSW

Forgetting about his legal woes for a night, Kanye West stopped by the South by Southwest music festival in Texas Saturday for two lengthy performances, the first of which included banging cameos by Common and Erykah Badu.

“It feels so good to rock for you tonight,” said West, who attending the conference mainly to promote his label’s artists, Kid Cudi and Consequence.

West performed many hits off of 2004’s College Dropout, before stopping by Perez Hilton‘s SXSW party later in the night for an impromptu second performance.

Rachael Ray Gets Stage Time at SXSW Preview

Food Network chef Rachael Ray was feeling frisky at Wednesday’s SXSW festival preview!

So much so that she hopped onstage with Semi-Precious Weapons frontman Justin Tranter, turned him around, and grabbed his butt!

Said Ray:

“Not only is Tranter the most attractive person I’ve seen, but I also want his high-heeled boots!”

De-lish!