Alright, metalheads, METALLICA’s M72 tour just leveled up from shredding eardrums to… saving lives? As they gear up for the next leg of their world domination (sorry, “tour”), the thrash icons announced they’re teaming with the American Red Cross and their own All Within My Hands foundation for some good ol’ blood-sucking—uh, donating—at select shows this April. Because nothing says “heavy metal community” like rolling up your sleeve next to someone in a “Master of Puppets” tank top. 🤘
Now, blood drives aren’t just EXCUSES to binge on cookies (though let’s be real, that’s 60% of the appeal). METALLICA’s project aims to keep hospital waits shorter than Kirk Hammett’s guitar solos. Fun fact: Did you know the band once tried naming an album Metal Up Your Ass before distributors nixed it for being “too graphic”? Seems fitting now, huh?
The deal: Donate blood (totally optional, no dracula jokes please), snag a free limited-edition tee (because merch is life), and feel vaguely heroic. The band dropped this nugget on Instagram:
“We’re proud to announce we’re teaming up with @americanredcross and our @allwithinmyhandsfoundation to host Red Cross x Metallica Blood Drives!
“New to this leg of the #M72 tour, you can give back by donating blood at select North American stops. Everyone who comes to give blood at these drives will receive a limited-edition T-shirt, while supplies last.
“To learn more and sign up (appointments required), visit RedCrossBlood.org/Metallica. Link in bio!”
Darren Irby from the Red Cross, clearly thrilled to collab with living metal legends, added:
“The Red Cross is incredibly appreciative that METALLICA is helping fuel the blood supply this summer. The band and their foundation are committed to making every tour stop a better place, and this selfless act of rallying fans to donate blood will leave a lifesaving legacy to so many communities.”
(Translation: Darren, buddy, we know you’re just stoked to hang backstage.)
Catch METALLICA Live (and maybe donate a pint):
04/14 – 18 Liverpool, NY
04/29 Nashville, TN
05/01 Columbus, OH
05/02 Columbus, OH
05/06 Columbus, OH
05/06 Blacksburg, VA
05/20 Philadelphia, PA
05/27 Arlington, VA
05/30 Charlotte, NC
05/30 Atlanta, GA
06/10 Houston, TX
06/13 Houston, TX
06/18 Santa Clara, CA
06/23 Denver, CO
06/24 Denver, CO
Psst — eligibility rules apply. Check if you qualify here, then sign up here. Who knew combining riff-heavy chaos and A-positive blood could be so wholesome? (Except maybe Lemmy. RIP.)
