METALLICA continued its tradition of surprising fans with unique mid-show performances during the band’s May 30 concert at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, this time paying tribute to German industrial metal giants RAMMSTEIN.
As part of the now-familiar “doodle” segment of the set, guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo performed a rendition of the RAMMSTEIN classic “Sonne”, drawing a strong reaction from the hometown crowd. The special performance was one of the standout moments of the evening and added another memorable entry to the ever-growing list of covers Hammett and Trujillo have delivered on recent tours.
Over the last several years, the duo’s mid-show “doodles” have become a staple of METALLICA‘s live performances. The segments typically see Hammett and Trujillo stepping into the spotlight to honor artists who have influenced them, often choosing songs that fans would never expect to hear at a METALLICA concert. Usually performed with only bass, guitar and occasional vocals from Trujillo, the covers have become a fan-favorite feature of the band’s shows worldwide.
Meanwhile, METALLICA have also been making headlines away from the stage through a new charitable initiative involving the band’s All Within My Hands foundation. The organization has joined forces with the Welsh Blood Service, England’s NHS Blood And Transplant, and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service in a campaign aimed at encouraging blood and plasma donations across the United Kingdom.
The partnership marks the first time blood services throughout the U.K. have collaborated with a global rock act on such a large scale. Timed to coincide with the final European dates of METALLICA‘s “M72” world tour before the band returns to the United States, the campaign is encouraging fans to donate blood and plasma around the following shows:
June 25 – Glasgow, Scotland – Hampden Park
June 28 – Cardiff, Wales – Principality Stadium
July 3 – London, England – London Stadium
July 5 – London, England – London Stadium
Alan Prosser, spokesperson for the Welsh Blood Service, said: “This is a truly unique moment for blood donation across the U.K. Partnering with a band of METALLICA’s global reach allows us to connect with new audiences and shine a spotlight on the ongoing need for blood.
“Just as metal music runs strongly through METALLICA fans’ veins — so does the blood which gives the power to save up to three lives with every donation.
“Donation is always voluntary and unpaid in the U.K., so every person who chooses to give makes a real difference to patients and families in need. We’re proud to be part of a collaboration that brings people together to save lives.”
A spokesperson for METALLICA said: “Wherever we go on tour, we want to give something meaningful back to the communities that welcome us. We’ve seen in the United States and Australia how working with blood services can help raise awareness of blood donation and support patients, and we’re excited to bring that same approach to the U.K.
“As we close out the European leg of the ‘M72’ world tour in the U.K., we’re asking fans to step up and be part of something bigger than the show.
“Looking out for one another and supporting those who rely on donated blood every day is a simple act that can make a powerful difference.”
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