With so much talk of Pearl Jam, it’s easy forget that other bands also celebrate milestones, let alone exist. Metallica, for example, turns 30 years old in 2011, and the legendary outfit is celebrating with quite the b-day bash. Lars and co. will be performing four fan-club only shows at the historic Fillmore in San Francisco on December 5th, 7th, 9th, and 10th, and a press release promises “special guests and events, rare songs, varied set lists, odds and ends, and all the nutty stuff you expect from Metallica… fun for the entire family!” Fingers crossed for Lou Reed.

Here’s the even better part: A single show ticket prices in at $6 — as the band explains, “we’re going back to early ‘80’s ticket pricing.” There will also be four pack tickets (one ticket for each of the four shows) available for the clever price of $19.81. However, since these are fan-club only shows, only fan-club members will be available to purchase tickets — so hopefully you’re already a member, know somebody who’s a member, or don’t mind paying 2011 prices on Craigslist.

You can also see Metallica play Yankee Stadium with metal’s other Big 4 on September 14th. Or, travel to Rio and see the band headline Rock in Rio on September 25th. Their complete touring schedule is posted below.

Metallica 2011 Tour Dates:
08/31 – San Francisco, CA @ Moscone Center (Salesforce.com convention)
09/14 – Bronx, NY @ Yankees Stadium *
09/25 – Rio de Janerio, BR @ Rock in Rio
10/28 – Delhi, IN @ F1 Rocks
10/30 – Bangalore, IN @ Bangalore Palace Ground
12/05 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
12/07 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
12/09 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
12/10 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore

* = Big 4 show