ESPN

For many who came of age in the 1980s and 90s and liked needed their music loud, Metallica's "Master of Puppets" -- the album and the title track, featured here -- is still considered some of the best heavy metal ever recorded. It still packs a wallop 27 years later, as seen in this footage from "Metallica: Through The Never," a concert film featuring performances by the heavy metal masters.

Want to see more? Check out ESPN's "SportsCenter" on Thursday at 12 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET to see exclusive "Metallica: Through The Never" footage before it's released to theaters on Friday.

"Metallica: Through The Never" defies easy description, but we'll try: It's a concert film. And it's an action-adventure film. We see Metallica ripping through 30-plus years of metal classics, and at the same time, we see one of its roadies, played by Dane DeHaan, getting into trouble at the center of a post-apocalyptic war zone.

Why the movie within a movie? Drummer Lars Ulrich told the San Jose Mercury News that Metallica's experience with 2004's "Some Kind of Monster" -- a documentary showing the band nearly falling apart at the seams -- made a convincing argument that narrative was an essential ingredient.

"I think one of the big reasons that ("Some Kind of Monster") worked so well was that there was kind of a dramatic arch in it," Ulrich told the Mercury News. "So, we figured, seven or eight years later, if we were going to do a concert movie to maybe put a dramatic arch into (it) -- do a hybrid between concert and storytelling."

Gretchen Wilson is a Grammy-winning country artist with multiple No. 1 albums and her own record company. She has also been a big racing fan since she was a kid, when she would watch her father run on dirt tracks around St. Louis.

"He would let me clean the mud out of the wheel wells with a 2x4, and I thought I was part of the pit crew," she recalled.

During this year's NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup, Wilson's music and love of racing are coming together as part of ESPN's coverage of the 10 races that will determine the Sprint Cup Series champion. She is introducing the telecasts of all 10 races, and ESPN's telecasts will feature music from her two new albums, "Right On Time" and "Under The Covers," as well as the hits that launched her career.

"Many of the fans who show up at our concerts on Saturday nights are watching the races on Sundays," said Wilson, who has performed the national anthem at several NASCAR races during her singing career. "I'm honored to be a part of this great American tradition and look forward to seeing the fans at some races this fall."

"This has already been an exciting season and I think it's about to get crazy."

Here's a list of Wilson's songs that will be featured on ESPN’s NASCAR Sprint Cup programming, as well as links to download and buy her songs and/or albums:

"Here For The Party" from the "Here For The Party" album. (iTunes | Amazon)

"All Jacked Up," from the “All Jacked Up” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

"I Got Your Country Right Here," "Work Hard Play Harder" and "Back Where I Come From" from the “I Got Your Country Right Here” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

“Get Outta My Yard" and “Still Rollin’" from the “Right On Time” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

“Stay With Me," “Doctor My Eyes," “Everybody Wants You," “Hot Blooded," “I Want You To Want Me" and “Bad Company" from the “Under The Covers” album.
(iTunes | Amazon)

“Middle of the Road" and “Hold The Line" not available for sale.

Here's a list of songs from performers featured on ESPN's coverage of the NASCAR Nationwide Series, along with links to the artists' websites and links for you to download and buy the songs and/or albums:

Paramore: "Still Into You" from the “Paramore” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Seether: "Country Song" from the “Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

The Band Perry: "Done." from the "Pioneer" album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Airbourne: "Back In The Game" from the “Black Dog Barking” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Capital Cities: "Safe and Sound" from the “In A Tidal Wave of Mystery” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Here's a list of songs from performers featured on ESPN's "Saturday Night Primetime College Football," along with links to the artists' websites and links for you to download and buy the songs and/or albums:

Katy Perry: "Roar" from the "Prism" album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Imagine Dragons: "Radioactive" from the "Night Visions" album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Fall Out Boy: "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark" from the “Save Rock and Roll" album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Lady Gaga: ”Applause" from the "ARTPOP" album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Eminem

"Not Afraid" from the “Recovery” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

”Berzerk" single (iTunes | Amazon)

Here's a list of songs from performers featured on ESPN’s syndicated college and high school football programming, along with links to the artist’s websites and links for you to download and buy the songs and/or albums:

Army of Me: ”Going Through Changes" from the “Citizen” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Krewella: "Live For The Night" from the “Get Wet” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Bill Griese: "R U Ready" single. (iTunes | Amazon)

The Mighty Shakes: "Coming For You" not available for sale.

Mekka Don: "SEC" not available for sale.

Here's a list of songs from performers featured on ESPN's "Monday Night Football," as well as links to the artists' websites and links for you to download and buy the songs and/or albums:

On "Monday Night Football"

Serena Ryder: "Stompa" from the “Harmony” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Mona: "Cross The Line" from the “Torches and Pitchforks” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Lady Gaga: "Applause" from the “ARTPOP” album.
(iTunes | Amazon)

Fall Out Boy: "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark" from the “Save Rock and Roll” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

David Dallas: "Runnin’" single. (iTunes | Amazon)

Taio Cruz: "Dynamite" from the “Rokstarr” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Filter: "It's Got To Be Right Now" from the “The Sun Comes Out Tonight” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Five Finger Death Punch: "Lift Me Up" from the “The Wrong Side of Heaven & the Righteous Side of Hell, Vol. 1” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Echosmith: "Come Together" from the “Summer Sampler” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Mayer Hawthorne: "The Stars Are Ours" from the “Where Does This Door Go” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Los Lonely Boys: "Rule The World" not available for sale.

Avenged Sevenfold: "Hail To The King" from the “Hail To The King” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

Breathe Carolina: "Sweat It Out" from the “Hell Is What You Make It” album. (iTunes | Amazon)

On "Monday Night Countdown"

Linkin Park and Steve Aoki: "A Light That Never Comes" not available for sale.

Rise Against hasn't forgotten where it came from. So the Chicago-based punk band has reached into its own archives and pulled out "Long Forgotten Songs: B-Sides & Covers 2000-2013." The album, released Tuesday, is a collection of songs that didn't make it onto the band's six studio albums, as well special projects benefiting causes the band supports and covers from artists that influenced the band.

In an email interview with ESPN Music, lead vocalist Tim McIlrath talks about the songs on "Long Forgotten," the band's connection to Chicago sports and its plans for a new album, among other topics.

ESPN.com: Which was the most long forgotten song on the "Long Forgotten Songs: B-Sides & Covers 2000–2013" album? Any that you really regret not putting on a previous album? Did the process of getting this album together remind you how you have grown as songwriters?

Tim Mcllrath: This record was not just an missing piece of the puzzle that we wanted to share with fans, but it was a trip down memory lane for the four of us. A lot of these songs were missing from our own collections, so we imagined they must be missing from other people's collections. Songs like "But Tonight We Dance" and our Sick Of It All cover of "Built To Last" were some of our favorite songs and we knew many of our fans have never even heard them.

ESPN.com: What kind of sports do you enjoy while you're on the road or in your free time?

Mcllrath: I got really into downhill mountain hiking at some Colorado ski resorts after spending the last couple summers out there and bring a bike on tour. I ride almost everyday on tour, it s a great way to break out of tour monotony and see a bit of the city you happen to be in.

ESPN.com: Tuesdays are big in music because of new albums. They're also big on ESPN.com because of the NFL power rankings. Where would Rise Against fall in a punk power ranking?

Mcllrath: I guess that's up to our fans! We have pretty awesome fans.

ESPN.com: Your music has been used in various sports venues such as the Madden video game and in the X Games. Do you think your music works well in these areas? What has it been like to be a part of Chicago sports, either as a fan or through your music?

Mcllrath: For years, people have told me they work out to Rise Against. I guess it makes sense. We aren't mellow and chill. We are aggressive and physical and our songs have positive messages. I can see where the music can be a motivator and we are always excited to see it used to get people riled up.

I grew up in Chicago so it's pretty sweet to go to a Blackhawks game and hear our song playing during the game and be invited to shoot the puck between periods. They play our songs at Soldier Field and I've thrown out the first pitch at a Cubs game. It's all pretty cool for a kid who grew up in all these stadiums.

ESPN.com: How hard is it to be a vegetarian rock star? Do you have a special section in your tour contract for food?

Mcllrath: It's way easier than it sounds. I grew up on hot dogs and McDonald's in Chicago and I still find a way to be hearty Midwest eater without involving meat.

ESPN.com: You're from Chicago ... your feelings on Wrigley becoming a concert venue? Any interest in playing there?

Mcllrath: I went to see Springsteen for the first time last year at Wrigley and after the show I ended up meeting the Boss himself. Tom Morello introduced me and Bruce turned and pulled out his iPhone and asked if he could have a picture with me. Turns out his son is a fan. But I wasn't sure how to ask him, "Hey, could you send me that pic?"

ESPN.com: Would any of you trade your music career to be a successful pro athlete? Who do you think has the tougher job between musicians and athletes?

Mcllrath: I think athletes and musicians live pretty parallel lives so we've always bonded with guys who come out to shows from major teams. We all travel a lot in big groups and live in hotels and dressing rooms and rely on our bodies to deliver everyday. We all spend a lot of time in a harsh media spotlight and give up a lot of privacy. But we all have a lot of fun obviously, and we do what we love, I feel lucky everyday.

ESPN.com: What is something you would like to see people "Rise Against" right now?

Mcllrath: War. We're still inadequately taking care of the men and women who fought the last two. War is about colostomy bags and catheters and rehab, not medals of honor and planted flags. We fumbled Iraq and Afghanistan, it's time we get benched.

ESPN.com: You've mentioned starting work on a new studio album this fall for a release next year. That still in the works? What should fans expect?

Mcllrath: It is! We are getting together periodically all fall to put some ideas together and then we'll hit the studio when we are ready. It's been a good breather, but now I can't wait turn up some amps and scream.

Here's a list of songs from performers featured on ESPN's "First Take," along with links to the artist's websites and links for you to download and buy the songs and/or albums:

September Music for "First Take" programming

Coe 24K: "All Talk"

Not available for sale

Michael Minelli: "Can You Hear Me"

Not available for sale

Serena Ryder: "Stompa" from the "Harmony" album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

The 1975: "Talk!" from the “The 1975” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

The Kickdrums: "Thinking Out Loud" from the “Thinking Out Loud” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Here's a list of songs from performers featured on ESPN’s promotional campaigns, links to the artist’s websites and links for you to download and buy the songs and/or albums:

Music for US Open Promotional Campaign

Frank Sinatra: ”Can I Steal A Little Love?" from the “Forever Frank” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Jessie and The Toy Boys: ”Sing Sing Sing remix"
Not available for sale.

Music for USA vs. Mexico Promotional Campaign

Biffy Clyro: ”Stingin’ Belle" from the “Opposites” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Music for College Football Opening Week Promotional Campaign

We Were Promised Jetpacks: ”Act on Impulse" from the “In The Pit of the Stomach” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Here's a list of songs from performers featured on ESPN’s MLB programming, links to the artist’s websites and links for you to download and buy the songs and/or albums:

Music for MLB Programming

The Who: ”The Real Me" from the “Quadrophenia” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Papa Roach: ”Still Swingin’" from the “The Connection” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Mayer Hawthorne: ”The Stars Are Ours" from the “Where Does This Door Go” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Fall Out Boy: ”The Phoenix" from the “Save Rock and Roll” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Here's a list of songs from performers featured on ESPN’s Mariano Rivera related programming, links to the artist’s websites and links for you to download and buy the songs and/or albums:

Music for Mariano Rivera programming

Metallica: ”Enter Sandman" from the “Metallica” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Here's a list of songs from performers featured on ESPN’s college football programming, links to the artist’s websites and links for you to download and buy the songs and/or albums:

Music on ESPN’s College Football Programming

Romeo Testa: "Light It Up"
Not available for sale.

Switchfoot: "Who We Are", Back to the Beginning," "Let It Out"
Not available for sale.

Rusko: ”Lift Me Up," "Starlight" singles.
(iTunes | Amazon)

AN21 and Max Vangeli: ”Glow" from the “People of the Night” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Parachute: ”Set It Off"
Not available for sale.

Parachute: ”Higher" from the “Overnight” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project: ”Love Won’t Bring Us Down" from the “Devils ‘n Darlins” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Luke Bryan: ”That’s My Kind of Night" from the “Crash My Party” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Jinx: "Forrest Gump" not avaialble for sale. "Alive" single (iTunes | Amazon).

Pretty Lights: ”Let’s Get Busy" from the “A Color Map of the Sun” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Grace Potter: ”The Lion The Beast The Beat" from the “The Lion The Beast The Beat” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

White Lies: ”Be Your Man" from the “BIG TV” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite: ”I’m In I’m Out and I’m Gone" from the “Get Up!” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Red: ”The Moment We Come Alive" from the “Release the Panic” album.

(Amazon)

Here's a list of songs from performers featured on ESPN’s Saturday Night Primetime college football programming, links to the artist’s websites and links for you to download and buy the songs and/or albums:

Music for Saturday Night Primetime College Football

Katy Perry: ”Roar" from the “Prism” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Imagine Dragons: ”Radioactive" from the “Night Visions” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Fall Out Boy: ”My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark" from the “Save Rock and Roll” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Here's a list of songs from performers featured on ESPN’s syndicated college/high school football programming, links to the artist’s websites and links for you to download and buy the songs and/or albums:

Music for Syndicated College/High School Football Programming

Army of Me: ”Going Through Changes" from the “Citizen” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

The Mighty Shakes: ”Coming For You"
Not available for sale.

Krewella: ”Live For The Night" from the “Get Wet” album.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Bill Griese: ”R U Ready" single.

(iTunes | Amazon)

Here's a list of songs from performers featured on ESPN’s "Numbers Never Lie" programming, links to the artist’s websites and links for you to download and buy the songs and/or albums:

September Music on "Numbers Never Lie"

Panic At The Disco: "Vegas Lights" from the “Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die! ” album

(iTunes | Amazon)