A Metallica fan has finally been able to shave off the beard he vowed he wouldn't cut until the band released a new studio album.

Mick Cassidy, 37, told his wife Maendi in 2006 that he wouldn't cut his facial hair until the metal band released the long awaited follow-up to 2003's 'St Anger'.

But his - and probably his wife's wishes - were answered earlier this month when the band released 'Death Magnetic', which has topped the charts in the UK and US.

"It was a relief," said Dublin-born Cassidy, whose beard had grown to an impressive 12-inches. "The beard made me look like a tomato with hair.”

According to the Sun newspaper, Metallica's James Hetfield also trimmed his facial hair in honour of Cassidy's achievement at the band's album launch party.

Thousands of people had followed the progress of Cassidy's facial hair on the internet.

You can see highlights from the bands launch party at the O2 Arena in London below, or click here to see 50 exclusive pictures.