THE POLAR MUSIC PRIZE was founded in 1989 by the late Stig ”Stikkan” Anderson, one of the true greats in the history of popular music. As the publisher, lyricist and manager of ABBA, he played a key role in their enormous success. Its name stems from Anderson’s legendary record label, Polar Music. The Polar Music Prize is one of the most prestigious and unique music prizes in the world, crossing over musical boundaries and awarded to individuals, groups and institutions in recognition of exceptional achievements. When, in 1989, Stig Anderson donated MSEK 42 it was with the intention of endowing “the world’s biggest music prize” and that is exactly what he accomplished. The Polar Music Prize was endowed for the purpose of awarding, annually if possible, The Polar Music Prize to one or more persons. This evening, Metallica and Dr Ahmad Sarmast and The Afghanistan Institute of Music (ANIM) received their Polar Music Prizes from His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden at Grand Hôtel in Stockholm. Robert Trujillo & Lars Ulrich: "Receiving this prize solidifies the idea that no matter how alienated you feel, connecting to other people through music is not only possible but can be outright inspirational and life changing. And finally, while this award acknowledges Metallica's achievements of the past 37 years, as we stand here in this glorious moment, may the Danish kid in me shout out to the world ”Look mom, we’re just getting started!” "MUSIC HAS NO BOUNDARIES – IT TOUCHES, INFLUENCES AND CHANGES THE WORLD." STIG "STIKKAN" ANDERSON, FOUNDER OF THE POLAR MUSIC PRIZE
