Metallica inspires concept for children’s pop-up book

WHILE fans were sad to hear the postponement of Metallica’s Australian tour, and the reason behind it, a Perth-based digital agency has continued its work on the concept for a children’s pop-up book inspired by the heavy metal giants.

Metallica was set to tour Australian stadiums, supported by Slipknot, due to kick off at Optus Stadium in Perth on October 17.

Metallica announce Australian tour supported by Slipknot

But just weeks before, the band issued a statement revealing frontman James Hetfield had entered an addiction treatment program and would need to focus on his recovery rather than complete the tour.

Lethal Digital Lee Rekman had planned to meet with Metallica before its show to present the pop-up book idea inspired by American writer H.P. Lovecraft and Metallica’s song The Thing That Should Not Be, with the intention of collaborating with Metallica’s charitable foundation All Within My Hands.

While still in its concept stage, the six-page illustrative book aims to evoke imagination in the young and spur memories of old, while educating readers about music and the band and inspiring kids to “read, learn and inquire to a potentially new genre of music”.

“A pop-up book with shiny gates and a compelling graphic story is the ideal medium to introduce the world’s greatest metal band to future followers,” Mr Rekman said.

“It’s my passion project for fellow Metallica fans to share with their young ‘metalheads’ – reading, learning and interacting with the 3D adventures of James, Lars, Kirk and Rob.”

Though the original meeting did not happen as planned, several copies of the pop-up book have been sent to the band.

“The Lethal Digital team hopes one day The Thing That Should Not Be will be treasured by devout fans – sharing with future generations while upholding the legacy and passion of the world’s greatest metal band,” Mr Rekman said.