Did Marianne Faithfull sing with Metallica? Band pays tribute to Iconic British pop star as she passes away

Marianne Faithfull, the famous British singer-songwriter and actress, died on January 30, at 78. Faithfull left a legacy that stretched for decades - from her early association with The Rolling Stones to her collaboration with Metallica.

Now that she is gone, the metal band Metallica honored the icon, recognizing the unique gift she gave to their music and the indelible mark she had over the music industry.

Faithfull is perhaps best known for her work in the 1960s, but her vocals found a fit with Metallica’s 1997 song The Memory Remains. The song originally appeared on the album Reload. According to Loudwire, In need of a haunting, world-weary vocal presence, the band reached out to Marianne Faithfull.

James Hetfield, frontman for Metallica, said that Faithfull’s inclusion was born from their search for a singular sound for the song's outro. Faithfull had been suggested as a potential collaborator by the album’s producer, Bob Rock, and after hearing her 1996 album 20th Century Blues, the band felt she was the right choice.

Marianne Faithfull made an unforgettable cameo in the video for The Memory Remains. She later sang the song live with Metallica on Saturday Night Live in December 1997 and again during their 30th-anniversary celebration in 2011.

In the wake of Faithfull’s death, Metallica paid tribute to her memory on social media. The band posted a series of photographs of the singer posing with the group members and a moving tribute. Drummer Lars Ulrich wrote in a statement:

"Thank you, Marianne… For the good times, For your kindness, For the great stories, For your fearlessness …"

More about Marianne Faithfull's career and personal struggles

Marianne Faithfull first shot to stardom in the 1960s, becoming well known for her songs such as As Tears Go By, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. She soon became a central figure in the rock scene, feeding into the Rolling Stones’ music, with songs like Sister Morphine and Wild Horses.

However, her career soon declined in the 1970s due to personal and substance abuse problems, and she also experienced a period of homelessness. She had also battled hepatitis C, a miscarriage, and breast cancer, which she had survived successfully.

Faithfull returned with her 1979 album Broken English, which gained critical acclaim. She later turned towards rock, new wave, and even German cabaret-style music, performing works by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill. Over the years, she worked with artists including Metallica, Nick Cave, and PJ Harvey.

In 2009, Marianne Faithfull received the World Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women's World Awards, honoring her 45 years in the music industry.

In 2011, she was named a Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government, one of France’s highest cultural accolades, honoring her profound impact on the arts.