According to Austin Powell, who writes The Austin Chronicle's "Off The Record" column, rumors have been swirling about METALLICA possilby making an appearance at Stubb's in Austin, Texas on Friday, March 20 during this year's South by Southwest (SXSW) music and media conference and festival. "There is going to be a Guitar Hero event at South by Southwest," affirms SXSW Creative Director Brent Grulke. "Some of METALLICA's band members may make an appearance at the event."

Silversun Pickups is confirmed to appear at the promotion along with a "special guest" DJ. No further information is currently available.

A receptionist at the office of METALLICA publicist Brian Bumbery (Warner Bros. Records) could not confirm nor deny The Austin Chronicle's report at the end of last week.

Guitar Hero: Metallica is due out in North America on March 29 on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms. The game's arrival for PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii will most likely come in early May, around the same time the game is issued in Europe. As previously reported, METALLICA is only the second act to get its own version of Guitar Hero, following last year's AEROSMITH game.

Guitar Hero: Metallica will include 28 METALLICA songs, along with tracks from SLAYER, FOO FIGHTERS, ALICE IN CHAINS, and others.

The game will allow players to perform in either single instrument or band mode, in a variety of settings and stages.