THE MINI BAND — the Thatcham, United Kingdom-based group made up of 8- and 10-year-olds whose performance of METALLICA's "Enter Sandman" has racked up more than three million YouTube views in ten weeks — was stunned when METALLICA sent them a video message ahead of a recent gig.

THE MINI BAND said it had been inundated with offers from around the world after the YouTube video went viral.

Before heading onstage for a fundraising concert in Newbury, in aid of Naomi House children's hospice, THE MINI BAND was surprised with a video message from METALLICA, recorded in Northern California.

"By the time you guys are our age, so you're gonna so incredibly great!" guitarist Kirk Hammett said. "They're already incredibly great, man," bassist Robert Trujillo added.

"You guys rock! You guys are very cool," said drummer Lars Ulrich. "Maybe someday we can work something out. We could come out and open up for all y'all, if you guys will have us. We're just getting started. We're an up-and-coming hard rock band out in Northern California, so if you'll have us, we're there for the taking."

The BBC has caught up with the members of THE MINI BAND to see how they're dealing with their newfound global fame. Check out the four-and-a-half-minute video report below.

As individuals, the members of THE MINI BAND have created a real stir, with Zoe getting over 250,000 hits on one YouTube video! Harry has been featured on TV and Bugera amplifiers web site, and Charlie has an endorsement for drum sticks.

THE MINI BAND is:

* Zoe Thomson (8 years old) - Guitar
* Harry Jackson (8 years old) - Guitar
* Kieran Fell (8 years old) - Guitar
* Harrison Read (8 years old) - Lead Vocals
* Archie Zolotuhin (10 years old) - Bass Guitar
* Charlie Emmons (10 years old) - Drums

For more information, visit THE MINI BAND Facebook page.