Metallica has released professionally filmed footage of their performances of “Creeping Death” and “King Nothing” from their recent concert in Athens, Greece. The show, which took place on May 9 at the Olympic Stadium (OAKA), served as the opening performance for the final European leg of the band’s ongoing “M72” world tour. Support for the concert was provided by Gojira and Knocked Loose. The videos can be seen down below.
The sold-out Athens event drew an estimated 85,000 fans and marked Metallica‘s first appearance in Greece since 2010. This performance was the band’s fifth overall concert in the country, following previous stops in 1993, 1999, 2007, and 2010. The “M72” world tour originally launched in Amsterdam in April 2023 to support the group’s eleventh studio album, 72 Seasons.
A significant highlight of the evening involved guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo, who performed a specialized instrumental interlude known to fans as a “doodle.” During this segment, the duo paid tribute to local Greek musical history by performing “Zorba’s Dance“. The composition, written by the late Mikis Theodorakis, gained international fame through the 1964 film “Zorba The Greek” and remains one of the most recognizable pieces of Greek music worldwide.
The tribute continued as Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo performed “Den Horas Pouthena” (translated as “You Don’t Fit Anywhere“), a track originally by the legendary Greek rock band Tripes. These localized covers have become a staple of the “M72” tour, featuring stripped-down arrangements of guitar and bass that often diverge from the band’s traditional thrash metal sound.
Athens, Greece Setlist:
- “Creeping Death”
- “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
- “Moth Into Flame”
- “King Nothing”
- “Lux Æterna”
- “The Unforgiven”
- “Fuel”
- “Zorba’s Dance” / “De Horas Pouthena”
- “Fade to Black”
- “Wherever I May Roam”
- “Nothing Else Matters”
- “Sad But True”
- “One”
- “Seek & Destroy”
- “Master of Puppets”
- “Enter Sandman”
Alongside the video releases, a new public health initiative has been announced involving Metallica‘s All Within My Hands foundation, the Welsh Blood Service, England’s NHS Blood And Transplant, and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service. The collaboration represents the first time blood services across the United Kingdom have partnered with a global rock act on this scale to encourage blood and plasma donations.
The campaign urges fans to donate blood surrounding Metallica‘s upcoming U.K. stadium dates in June and July. The initiative highlights the constant necessity for blood products, which carry a shelf life of 35 days, to assist trauma victims, cancer patients, new mothers, and individuals with long-term medical conditions.
Alan Prosser, spokesperson for the Welsh Blood Service, commented on the significance of the partnership:
“This is a truly unique moment for blood donation across the U.K. 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.”
“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 U.K., 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.”
An official spokesperson for Metallica detailed the band’s motivation for supporting community health services during their global tours:
“Wherever we go on tour, we want to give something meaningful back to the communities that welcome us. 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 U.K.
“As we close out the European leg of the ‘M72‘ world tour in the U.K., 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.”
Gerry Gogarty, director of blood supply for NHS Blood And Transplant, emphasized the urgent need for specific blood types in England, including O negative, B negative, and Ro donors:
“Metallica are experts at raising the volume — and by calling on their millions of fans around the world to become regular blood donors, they are helping to boost life-saving blood stocks too.”
“Every donation can save up to three lives, and we urgently need a new generation of donors ready to roll up their sleeves and make it a lifelong habit.”
“Right now in England, we particularly need more O negative, B negative and Ro donors but every donation is vital. Together we can save even more lives.”
Established in 2017, the All Within My Hands foundation has raised more than $20 million to address food insecurity, disaster response, and vocational education. A portion of ticket sales from every concert on the tour is routinely allocated to local charities. The foundation has actively promoted blood donation drives throughout the “M72” tour cycle, previously resulting in fans donating 152 units of blood during a single tour stop in Philadelphia.
Metallica Upcoming 2026 U.K. Tour Dates:
- June 25 – Glasgow, Scotland – Hampden Park
- June 28 – Cardiff, Wales – Principality Stadium
- July 03 – London, England – London Stadium
- July 05 – London, England – London Stadium
Metallica Remaining 2026 European Tour Dates:
- May 30 – Berlin, Germany – Olympiastadion
- June 03 – Bologna, Italy – Stadio Renato Dall’Ara
- June 11 – Budapest, Hungary – Puskas Arena
- June 13 – Budapest, Hungary – Puskas Arena
- June 19 – Dublin, Ireland – Aviva Stadium
- June 21 – Dublin, Ireland – Aviva Stadium
