Metal Anarchy

Metallica have revealed the winners for the collegiate edition of their latest “For Whom The Band Tolls!” marching band competition. The University Of South Carolina took the top spot.

Here’s the full list of winners:

Division 1:

1st: University Of South Carolina
2nd: Virginia Tech
3rd: University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Division 2/3:

1st: Riverside City College
2nd: Bridgewater College
3rd: Indiana Wesleyan University

Fan-Favorite:

University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Metallica commented:

“Last year, we challenged marching bands at all collegiate levels to come up with the most exciting, unique, and impressive performances of our songs. The submissions are in, we’ve watched the videos, and we’re thrilled to announce that the University of South Carolina has taken the top prize in the 2025 Collegiate Edition of the annual competition. Congratulations Gamecocks! A huge thank you to all the incredible bands who participated this year.

The winners across seven categories will receive more than $165,000 in total prizes. In an exciting twist on our second ‘For Whom The Band Tolls’ competition, this year’s first-place Division 1 winner will have the opportunity to record a Metallica song and the EA SPORTS College Football Theme Song, both to be included in the EA SPORTS College Football video game!

The victors in each category will receive instruments and equipment for their programs provided by us with the support of our generous sponsors, including Sweetwater, TAMA, Hal Leonard, KHS America, and more.”