Metallica, the legendary heavy metal band, took the stage at the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday (March 20) to honor Elton John and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. The iconic duo received the prestigious Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for their remarkable contributions to music.

The tribute concert, hosted by Billy Porter, was an invitation-only event that featured appearances by Elton John and Bernie Taupin themselves. Metallica opened the show with a powerful rendition of "Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding," a track from John's acclaimed 1973 double album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."

Expressing their admiration for the honorees, Metallica members spoke to reporters about the impact of John and Taupin's collaborations. Frontman James Hetfield described them as an inspiration, while guitarist Kirk Hammett credited them for creating some of the greatest songs of his childhood.

The star-studded event also saw performances by other renowned artists. Singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, country singer Garth Brooks, folk singer Brandi Carlile, and Scottish musician and Eurythmics star Annie Lennox took the stage to pay tribute to the acclaimed songwriting team.

Metallica had previously shared their excitement and pride in being invited to perform at the event. In a statement, the band expressed their joy in celebrating the legendary partnership of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, acknowledging their timeless and influential songs that have left a lasting impact on generations.

The evening's 90-minute program, titled "Elton John & Bernie Taupin: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize For Popular Song," commemorated the extensive career of the singer-songwriter duo as they received this esteemed recognition from the Library of Congress. With their collaborations dating back to 1967, John and Taupin have penned numerous enduring classics including "Your Song," "Tiny Dancer," and "Rocket Man."

Elton John's musical achievements speak for themselves, with over 70 Top 40 hits spanning six decades. He has sold an impressive 300 million records worldwide, making him one of the top-selling solo artists of all time. John's success includes nine No. 1 hits and 28 Top 10s on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Apart from his musical prowess, Elton John has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts. In 1992, he established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has raised over $565 million for HIV/AIDS grants supporting various projects worldwide. Additionally, he has received multiple accolades, including a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II and the National Humanities Medal presented by President Joe Biden.

The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize event marked another milestone in Elton John's remarkable career. His enduring music and charitable endeavors continue to resonate with audiences across the globe.

The concert, which PBS stations nationwide will premiere on Monday, April 8, at 8 PM ET, showcased the diverse range of talent paying homage to Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The event's attendees were treated to unforgettable performances and a celebration of the extraordinary contributions made by the two music icons.

In a rare sight, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was seen enthusiastically enjoying Metallica's performance, adding another memorable moment to the star-studded tribute to Elton John and Bernie Taupin.