Vans and Metallica celebrate 30th anniversary of their Black Album

Vans and Metallica celebrate the 30th anniversary of their Black Album with a collection of trainers featuring Pushead artwork; available exclusively through Vans Family.

Vans and the legendary rock band Metallica join forces this June in honour of the 30th anniversary of their famous Black Album; the best-selling album of all time. To do so, they have prepared the launch of a limited edition Sk8-Hi and Classic Slip-On inspired by their relentless desire to go faster, louder and “Off The Wall”. The special Vans x Metallica collection features artwork by iconic artist Pushead inspired by the band’s imagery and will be sold exclusively through Vans Family and Metallica.com from 26 July.

Metallica‘s self-titled fifth studio album was originally released in August 1991 and has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. It has also spent more than 580 consecutive weeks at the top of the music charts. Vans and Metallica are long-time partners and collaborators, with the band performing at House of Vans London in 2016 and releasing three previous footwear and apparel collaborations over the past decade.

This July, the two parties are once again joining forces to launch two footwear silhouettes; both of which feature artwork created by Pushead. These have provided iconic images and illustrations for the band’s tour books, T-shirts and stage sets since 1986. Pushead‘s “Sad But True” design is synonymous with the entire Black Album era; its twin skulls travelled the world, displayed on banners on either side of the stage as Metallica performed.

The latest Vans x Metallica release features Pushead‘s enigmatic clashing skulls on the side panels of the Sk8-Hi; as well as on opposite sides of each Classic Slip-On. Each design features a blue chipping graphic and Metallica branding in silver around the sidewall of the Sk8-Hi; as well as on the top of the Slip-On. In addition, each pair is finished with the band’s logo printed on the heel.

The Vans x Metallica limited edition collection will be available exclusively to Vans Family and Metallica.com members from 26 July.