Metallica have teamed up with UK blood services ahead of their UK tour to urge fans to donate blood.
The partnership marks the first-ever collaboration between UK blood services and a rock band, and sees the thrash metal icons come together with the Welsh Blood Service, England’s NHS Blood and Transplant and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.
It comes as an extension of the work done by Metallica’s charity, All Within My Hands, and urges fans to consider donating blood ahead of their shows at Glasgow’s Hampden Park (June 25), Cardiff’s Principality Stadium (June 28), and London Stadium (July 3 and 5).
The need for blood and plasma is constant, and with a shelf life of only 35 days, the services must continuously inspire existing donors to return and new donors to come forward.
By donating, people can help play a vital role in supporting trauma victims, people undergoing cancer treatment, new mothers, and those living with long-term conditions such as sickle cell disease.
“Wherever we go on tour, we want to give something meaningful back to the communities that welcome us,” a rep for Metallica said. “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 UK.
“As we close out the European leg of the ‘M72 World Tour’ in the UK, 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.”
Metallica’s charity, All Within My Hands, has helped support communities globally by strengthening local services and responding to critical needs.
“This is a truly unique moment for blood donation across the UK. 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,” said Alan Prosser, spokesperson for the Welsh Blood Service.
“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 UK, 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.”
Gerry Gogarty, Director of Blood Supply for NHS Blood and Transplant added that the push from Metallica is “helping to boost life-saving blood stocks” at a time where “we urgently need a new generation of donors ready to roll up their sleeves and make it a lifelong habit”.
Gogarty added that “every donation can save up to three lives” and while “right now in England, we particularly need more O negative, B negative and Ro donors, every donation is vital.”
Those in Scotland can get involved by booking a donation at the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, those in Wales can book an appointment at Welsh Blood Service, and those in the UK can find a session at NHS Blood and Transplant or by using the NHS Give Blood app.
You can find any remaining tickets to Metallica’s upcoming UK shows here, and a list of their tour dates for this side of the pond here.
Around the time the tour hits the UK, Metallica will re-release their seventh album ‘Reload’ on June 26, featuring unreleased material and loads more. Find out more here.
Metallica will also be heading to Connecticut for a special two-night stint at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville this November – marking the venue’s 25th anniversary. It will see Suicidal Tendencies open for the band on the first night and Spiritbox supporting on the second.
From there, James Hetfield and co. will embark on a huge residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, which will run from October 2026 to March 2027.
