Legendary film composer Ennio Morricone has died. The 91-year-old Oscar-winning Italian composer, who scored more than 500 films, died this morning (6th) in Rome following complications from a fall last week, resulting in breaking his femur. Known as “The Maestro,” he took home the Oscar in 2015 for Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight. While some believe he invented the film score, it’s the Western classic, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly that many Metallica fans will immortalize his memory remembering him most for the epic “The Ecstasy of Gold,” which has been Metallica’s introduction track since 1983. However, his work goes beyond that as other titles include, The Golden Globe and BAFTA winner of 1986’s The Mission, BAFTA winner for 1987’s The Untouchables, BAFTA winner of 1978’s Days of Heaven, and more.
Morricone’s influence has surpassed film as his impeccable craft has heavily influenced musicians. The entertainment industry has reacted to his death via social media, including James Hetfield, Metallica, Slash, Tarja Turunen, Fleshgod Apocalypse, and more.
“The day we first played “The Ecstasy of Gold” as our new intro in 1983 it was magic! It has become a part of our blood flow, deep breathing, fist bumping, prayers and band huddle pre-show ritual ever since. I have sung that melody thousands of times to warm up my throat before hitting the stage. Thank you Ennio for pumping us up, being a big part of our inspiration, and a bonding between band, crew, and fan. I will forever think of you as part of the Metallica family.
R.I. P. Maestro Morricone 🙏🏻
With respect,
James ‘papa h’”
“R.I.P. Ennio Morricone
Your career was legendary, your compositions were timeless. Thank you for setting the mood for so many of our shows since 1983.”
Very sad to wake up to the news of #EnnioMorricone passing. His Music took Those Movies to another level 💜 https://t.co/jIiUtVPB8R
— Charlie Benante (@skisum) July 6, 2020
Grazie, Maestro.#EnnioMorricone pic.twitter.com/mMo0gLVKEb
— Fleshgod Apocalypse (@FApocalypse) July 6, 2020
“Music is mysterious; it doesn’t offer many answers. Film music, on the other hand, is even more mysterious at times, both because of its bond with images and because of its way of bonding with the audience.”
Thank you, Ennio Morricone, for all that you’ve given us. pic.twitter.com/8RsP1aIrbg
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) July 6, 2020
One of the most emotional moments in cinema history is this final scene from CINEMA PARADISO – a montage of movie kisses celebrating life, love, and the life-affirming magic of the movies. It was scored by the late, great #EnnioMorricone. RIP, Maestro. https://t.co/aQnTV7UqkY pic.twitter.com/ILlQJtTChh
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) July 6, 2020
Legendary Italian composer Ennio Morricone has died at age 91. With a career spanning 60 years and 500+ film scores, including The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, Cinema Paradiso, The Thing & The Hateful Eight, his influence on music and cinema is unparalleled.
Rest In Peace Maestro. pic.twitter.com/OLWVt4GoDU
— Amoeba Music (@amoebamusic) July 6, 2020
I’ll never forget the way Ennio Morricone described music as “energy, space, and time.” It is, perhaps, the most concise and accurate description I’ve ever heard. We’ll truly miss him. This is the Love Theme from “Cinema Paradiso.” #EnnioMorricone pic.twitter.com/kpbkodhHrh
— Yo-Yo Ma (@YoYo_Ma) July 6, 2020
Farewell, maestro.
One of my favorite’s from a lesser appreciated work:https://t.co/MxzOqRRnXM— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) July 6, 2020
I join the world in mourning #EnnioMorricone RIP 🙏🎼 https://t.co/KJ8C0o8UZX
— Cyndi Lauper (@cyndilauper) July 6, 2020
Rest In Peace Ennio Morricone . Thank you for all your brilliance.
— Garbage (@garbage) July 6, 2020
#EnnioMorricone was the greatest composer in the history of film. Sergio Leone had Ennio orchestrate the final scene of Once Upon a Time In America and actually played the music during the filming live. The single greatest experience of my life in movies. #RIPEnnioMorricone pic.twitter.com/WqoKqkwPH4
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) July 6, 2020
The man, the myth, and the genre 🙌https://t.co/OYQ5ZcpNtD
— bandcamp (@Bandcamp) July 6, 2020
With great sadness, we say goodbye to a big master of cinema. His music will keep playing in our memories. Rest in peace #EnnioMorricone. pic.twitter.com/KWwJbfHzRx
— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) July 6, 2020
“I saw with great sadness that one of my musical heroes, Ennio Morricone has passed away today. His music introduced me to albums and the first album I ever bought was one of his. He made beautiful emotional music and was the master of melody.”
– Bernard Sumner pic.twitter.com/yBBK5GYDLe
— New Order (@neworder) July 6, 2020
RIP The Legendary #EnnioMorricone pic.twitter.com/hrT8oBVoUd
— Quentin Tarantino News (@QTarantino_news) July 6, 2020
RIP Ennio Morricone, who didn’t invent the film score but obviously invented the film score.
— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) July 6, 2020
Where to even begin with iconic composer Ennio Morricone? He could make an average movie into a must see, a good movie into art, and a great movie into legend. He hasn’t been off my stereo my entire life. What a legacy of work he leaves behind. RIP. https://t.co/qZX6qE10ke
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) July 6, 2020
We send our thoughts and condolences to Morricone’s family, friends, and colleagues during this tragic time.
