Heavy metal legends Metallica are calling on their British fans to donate blood and plasma as they prepare to kick off the UK leg of their world tour. The band has partnered with NHS Blood and Transplant, the Welsh Blood Service, and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service in an unprecedented collaboration.
Metallica will play at Glasgow's Hampden Park and Cardiff's Principality Stadium in late June, followed by two dates at London Stadium in early July. The initiative aims to encourage both existing donors to return and new volunteers to come forward, highlighting that blood has a shelf life of just 35 days.
"Wherever we go on tour, we want to give something meaningful back to the communities that welcome us," a band spokesperson said. "We've seen in the US and Australia how working with blood services can help raise awareness, and we're excited to bring that approach to the UK."
Alan Prosser, director of the Welsh Blood Service, said: "Partnering with a band of Metallica's global reach allows us to connect with new audiences. Just as metal music runs strongly through fans' veins, so does the blood which gives the power to save up to three lives with every donation."
Gerry Gogarty, director of blood supply for NHSBT, added: "Metallica are experts at raising the volume – and by calling on their millions of fans to become regular donors, they are helping to boost life-saving blood stocks."
