A Metallica fan grew an enormous beard after vowing not to shave until the band released a new album.
Mick Cassidy, 37, ended up with a 12 inch beard after he bet his wife Maendi in 2006 that he would not shave until the heavy metal band's next release.
In recognition of his dedication, Metallica lead singer James Hetfield, pictured, agreed to shave off his beard in person at the launch party of the band's new album Death Magnetic.
"It was a relief," said Mr Cassidy, 37, an animator originally from Dublin who now lives in Los Angeles. "The beard made me look like a tomato with hair."
Mr Cassidy's beard has become a popular attraction on the internet with around 65,000 people charting its growth.
Death Magnetic is Metallica's 12th album and was released earlier this month, five years after the band's last CD.
