When you think of Metallica, you probably picture thunderous riffs, insane over-the-top pyrotechnics, and headbanging crowds. Not pictured? Saving an EDM festival from total disaster!
But that’s exactly what happened when Tomorrowland, one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals, faced a nightmare just days before showtime. A massive fire reduced the main stage to ashes, causing everyone to panic at the same time.
The fire erupted around 7:30 p.m. local time on July 16, just 48 hours before the gates were set to open for the sold-out weekend in Boom, Belgium. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the festival’s iconic Orbyz Mainstage was left a smoldering wreck.
“This wasn’t just a stage. It was a living, breathing world,” Tomorrowland organizers said in a statement on Instagram. “Every single piece of Orbyz carried part of our soul.”
Cue the heavy metal heroes!
Metallica to the Rescue
While most artists would’ve sent some sort of gift or a heartwarming message, and kept scrolling, Metallica, who’s currently on their M72 World Tour, decided to step up. The band’s stage, which includes a custom-built wall of screens and rigging fit for stadium shows, just so happened to be stored in nearby Austria.
Metallica, showcasing how much of a powerhouse they are, gave Tomorrowland access to key stage components. The festival crew then worked around the clock to rebuild the main stage in a record-breaking 36 hours! Shockingly, it was less than a quarter of the time it took to construct the original. Wild!
Ravers Meet Rock Legends
Among those most grateful for the save? None other than DJ Martin Garrix, who headlined Friday night’s show.
“I can not believe I’m actually typing this… but my set at Tomorrowland is still happening!” Garrix posted on Instagram, alongside a photo with Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich. “Massive love and a big shoutout to the incredible Tomorrowland team for pulling off miracles — and to Metallica for coming through with the new stage parts.”
The band responded in typical rockstar fashion. With just a single black heart emoji that managed to speak wonders.
Fans were just as hyped. “Metal + Dance Music unite forever!” one user wrote. Another declared, “Makes me so proud to be a Raver AND a Metalhead.”
And of course, the hardcore fans came out too, with one saying, “Imagine all the hate Metallica or Lars gets all the time. This is why their peers are always talking positively about them. Metallica has been doing stuff like this behind the scenes for years. They have their own charity @allwithinmyhandsfoundation . I just wish the fans would be more appreciative.”
Fire, Music, and a Festival Saved
The new stage might not have been Orbyz, but it didn’t stop the party. Tomorrowland opened on schedule on July 18, with Garrix closing the first night with a lucky, fire-free, flawless performance.
“Tomorrowland, we won’t burn out,” he wrote. “WE UNITE.”
Meanwhile, Metallica continues its M72 Tour and is out here saving music one day at a time. Not all heroes wear capes; some wear black jeans, wrist cuffs, and carry double bass drums.
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Metallica Saves Festival-Goers After Massive FIRE