Formed in the early 1980s by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, Metallica carved out their place in heavy metal history with an unmatched intensity and a string of iconic albums—none more influential than Master of Puppets. With over 125 million albums sold globally, their rise from garage-band grit to stadium-rocking legends has been nothing short of monumental. Yet, despite playing to millions across the world, Metallica has never forgotten the people and places that shaped them.
In a show of gratitude and purpose, the band recently headlined the Helping Hand benefit concert at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California. Hosted by their own charity, the All Within My Hands Foundation, the event exemplified their commitment to giving back. Dedicated to supporting communities that have stood by Metallica throughout their journey, the foundation continues to be a powerful force for good.
The benefit concert featured a rare and emotionally charged setlist that thrilled longtime fans. One of the standout moments was the performance of “Low Man’s Lyric,” a deep cut from their Reload album that hadn’t been played live in over two decades. The unexpected throwback sparked nostalgia across the crowd, with one fan remarking, “Core memory unlocked. Legit forgot about this one for 20+ years. Appropriate winter song.”
Another highlight came in the form of “Fuel,” their fiery 1997 single that once earned them a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance. The track roared through the venue with the same adrenaline it brought decades ago, reminding the audience of Metallica’s enduring power and technical brilliance.
While their music remains fierce, Hetfield’s personal journey brings an added layer of depth to their performances. In a candid conversation on The Metallica Report, he reflected on his ongoing struggle with anxiety. “The mind is the enemy most of the time,” Hetfield admitted, sharing his efforts to stay grounded and present. “What’s supposed to come through me is supposed to right at that time, and not will it to happen,” he said, revealing how he channels vulnerability into strength.
This fusion of raw honesty, philanthropic passion, and musical intensity is what continues to define Metallica—not just as a band, but as a force that evolves with purpose. Decades in, they’re not just reliving their legacy—they’re expanding it, one riff, one lyric, one act of service at a time.
