EAST VILLAGE — Drink up, metal heads.
A hard-rocking Avenue B bar is pairing specialty brews with a heavy-metal soundtrack for its latest tasting series.
Idle Hands, the basement bar that opened last summer near East Third Street, is paying tribute to the band Metallica by hosting a series of tasting events that will pair songs from the group’s albums with beer selections from a pair of breweries.
In honor of the band’s 30th anniversary this year, the bar created its “30 Beers of Mandatory Metallica” in partnership with brewers Harpoon and Speakeasy.
"In 1981, four metal-thrashing madmen joined together to form what would become one of the biggest and most badass metal bands of all time," said Idle Hands' David Ciancio.
"Here at Idle Hands, we love Metallica and are joining forces with two of our favorite breweries, Harpoon and Speakeasy, to celebrate."
On Wednesday night, the tasting will feature beers like Speakeasy’s “White Lightning” and brand-new “Betrayal Ale” paired with songs off Metallica’s 1984 sophomore effort “Ride the Lighting.”
The next date of the series is on Aug. 10 with both brewers offering up pints to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the group’s self-titled album.
All in all, 30 beers will be featured to match the number of years "the Mighty Met" has been together, Ciancio added.
Idle Hands, known for its hard-rock soundtrack, drew legions of metal fans earlier this year during an appearance by shock-rocker Oderus Urungus of the band GWAR.
Idle Hands, 25 Avenue B, near East Third Street.
