Avril Lavigne's 'MTV Icon' Cover of Metallica's "Fuel" Is Way Better Than You Remember | Revolver

Avril Lavigne's 'MTV Icon' Cover of Metallica's "Fuel" Is Way Better Than You Remember

Popstar played surprisingly heavy version of 'Reload' highlight at 2003 event

In 2003, MTV infamously dedicated one of their MTV Icon specials to Metallica. The televised event featured bands and artists from the younger generation covering staples from all throughout Metallica's catalog, including Limp Bizkit's take on "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)," Snoop Dogg's version of "Sad But True" and popstar Avril Lavigne's surprisingly rippin' cover of "Fuel." 

Yes, that's right. The "Sk8er Boi" singer stepped out of her pop-punk comfort zone and took on a drawly, grungy, hard-rockin' highlight from 'Tallica's controversial 1997 album, Reload, and her performance is much better than you probably remember. Lavigne has a bit of a gravelly inflection on her voice as is, so it wasn't hard for her to fit snugly into James Hetfield's vocal range. 

Plus, the backing band she was playing with were having a blast up there, and even the Metallica guys can be seen rocking out affirmatively from the crowd. If you haven't seen it since it aired or you've never taken the plunge, give it a go above via YouTube.