As it turns out, Metallica had not asked the U.S. Navy to not use their music on detainees in preparation for what some called "torture" and others called "enhanced interrogation techniques." The band categorically denied that they had any contact with the military on such matters.

In a post called 'Clearing the Air' that appeared on the group's website yesterday (Feb. 18), Metallica wrote, "There has been a lot of talk recently about us asking the military not to use our music to 'soften people up before interrogation.' We NEVER commented to the military either way on this matter. Any statements that have been made otherwise are not correct."

Last week the anonymous Navy SEAL who reportedly killed Osama bin Laden said - using the name the Shooter - that when Metallica heard their music was used in that capacity, they asked the military to stop, out of an unwillingness to promote violence. When asked in 2008, James Hetfield noted that he was conflicted by its use, but that was out of a desire to have his band remain apolitical.

“Part of me is proud because they chose Metallica,” he said. “And then part of me is kind of bummed about it that people worry about us being attached to some political statement because of that. We’ve got nothing to do with this and we’re trying to be as apolitical as possible, ’cause I think politics and music, at least for us, don’t mix.”

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