James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett have returned to Oracle Park to perform ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ as part of the San Francisco Giants’ annual ‘Metallica Night’.
For seven years now, Major League Baseball team the San Francisco Giants have been honouring their hometown metal icons with an annual ‘Metallica Night’.
A celebration of the group and their affinity with the team, these evenings result in a rather special experience for fans of both thrash metal and baseball.
Now, James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett hit up Oracle Park on Friday night to kick off Metallica Night with a performance of the US national anthem.
Performing a two-guitar rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’, the evening’s game formally kicked off after drummer Lars Ulrich threw the first pitch of the game, which ultimately saw the New York Yankees claim a 6-4 win.
Check out Metallica performing for the San Francisco Giants:
As Blabbermouth notes, James Hetfield opened up about the experience of Metallica’s association with the team, noting that it’s a highlight to be able to lend their support to the Giants.
“We’re blessed to be doing this every year and being a part of the vibe here,” he explained. “You know, when times are good, when times are bad, they need the support.”
“It’s great. It’s a lot of fun,” added Kirk Hammett. “It’s a good opportunity for us to interact with our home team, hometown, and interact with the people of the Bay Area in San Francisco. And for me, it’s a lot of fun to be able to play the national anthem.”
While the band also autographed and raffled off the guitars used for the national anthem performance, Metallica are set to make their return to Australia later this year for a tour with nu-metal icons Slipknot.
No word yet whether they might learn ‘Advance Australia Fair’ for the occasion, but we really wouldn’t put it past them.
Check out Metallica’s ‘Enter Sandman’:
Metallica’s WorldWired Australia Tour 2019
With special guests Slipknot
Thursday, October 17th
Optus Stadium, Perth, WA
Sunday, October 20th
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, SA
Tuesday October 22nd (Sold Out)Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday October 24th
Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday October 26th
ANZ Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Tuesday, October 29th
QSAC, Brisbane, QLD
Thursday, October 31st (Sold Out)Mt. Smart Stadium, Auckland, NZ
Saturday, November 2nd
Mt. Smart Stadium, Auckland, NZ
