Photographer Ross Halfin has worked with Metallica since the start of their career, first shooting them at the home they shared in San Francisco for a feature in Kerrang! Magazine. His latest official book with the band, Metallica: The Black Album in Black &White (published by Reel Art Press) is an epic celebration of one of the best-selling albums of all time. It features classic and previously unpublished photographs from the recording sessions at One on One studios in North Hollywood, promotional portraits, and stunning live shots from the 300 date tour that followed the album’s release.

Ross has been conducting Q&A sessions at various cities on the Metallica 72 Seasons tour as part of the ‘Takeover’ series of events in Europe and the US. These intimate slideshow talks cover the years Ross has worked with the band and have typically included photos from the previous night’s performance, bringing the story right up to date. Venues have ranged from theatres to bookstores and small clubs, with the very first event held in San Francisco in the Art Deco ballroom of the exclusive Elks Lodge at the Kensington Park Hotel. Each event has been a huge success with demand exceeding capacity. The talk is usually 45-60 minutes accompanied by a slideshow of photos, ticketed at either a small fee to ensure attendance or the purchase of book which will be signed by Ross at the end of the event.