Metallica have paid tribute to a fan who died during a concert in Edmonton, Alberta on Friday night. The rock band posted a photo of a fan dubbed „Viking” on them social media pages and a heartfelt statement in his memory.
„We lost a member of the Metallica family on Friday night, August 23rd at a show in Edmonton,” the band wrote. “He was sick and died. Leaving the earthly body and moving on to the next adventure. It is very sad when death happens, but we are touched that he spent his final hours, hopefully happy, with us. Our condolences to the family and friends of Lorne 'Viking’. With love and respect, Metallica.
Lorne died mid-show during Metallica’s performance at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium on Friday. One of his friends Shared in a fan Facebook group He „suffered a medical problem and was taken out of the snake pit on a stretcher while EMS performed aggressive CPR.” The „Snake Pit” is a VIP area at the front of Metallica’s concerts, inspired by restaurant chef’s tables.
Metallica are currently in the midst of the M72 World Tour in support of their 2023 album, 72 Seasons. Frontman James Hedfield explained his vision for the album when the group introduced its first single, „Lux Æterna”.
„72 Seasons – The first 18 years of our lives form our truth or falsehood,” he said in a statement. „The idea of ’who we are’ is told by our parents. Dove is what kind of personality we can be around. I think the most interesting part of this is the continued exploration of those basic beliefs and how they affect our perception of the world today. Much of our adult experience is a reproduction or reaction to these childhood experiences. Freedom from the prisoners of childhood or those enslavements we carry.”
Last month, Metallica announced they were bringing back their Helping Hands concert and auction. Dec. The band will perform at Los Angeles’ YouTube Theater on the 13th, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, in a benefit concert with an as-yet undisclosed lineup of guest stars, with proceeds going to Helping Hands.
Metallica last held a Helping Hands concert and auction in December 2022, when they raised $3 million, which went directly to the company’s efforts in workforce education, disaster relief and the fight against hunger. The last show featured Robert Downey Jr., Tony Hawk and St. Vincent. Greta Van Fleet also performed.