Metallica have shared a tribute to a fan who died during their concert in Edmonton, Alberta on Friday night. The rock band posted a photo of the fan, known as “Viking,” on their social media pages along with a heartfelt statement in his honor.
“Friday night, August 23rd, in Edmonton we lost a Metallica family member at the show,” the band wrote. “He died due to health conditions. Leaving the earthly body and onto the next adventure. Very sad when death happens, but we’re touched that he spent some of his final, hopefully joyful, time with us. Our condolences to the family and friends of Lorne ‘Viking.’ With Love and Respect, Metallica.”
Metallica was performing at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium on Friday when Lorne died mid-show. One of his friends shared in a fan Facebook group that he “suffered a medical issue and was taken out of the snake pit on a stretcher while EMS did aggressive CPR.” The “Snake Pit” is a VIP area at the front of Metallica’s concerts, which was notably inspired by restaurant chef’s tables.
Metallica are currently in the midst of their M72 World Tour in support of their 2023 album, 72 Seasons. Frontman James Hetfield explained his outlook for the album when the group debuted its first single, “Lux Æterna.”
“72 seasons — the first 18 years of our lives that form our true or false selves,” he said in a statement. “The concept that we were told ‘who we are’ by our parents. A possible pigeonholing around what kind of personality we are. I think the most interesting part of this is the continued study of those core beliefs and how it affects our perception of the world today. Much of our adult experience is a reenactment or reaction to these childhood experiences. Prisoners of childhood or breaking free of those bondages we carry.”
Last month, Metallica announced they were bringing back their Helping Hands Concert and Auction. The band will perform at a charity concert on Dec. 13 at Los Angeles’ YouTube Theater with a yet-to-be-revealed lineup of guest stars hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, with profits going to the Helping Hands organization.
Metallica last hosted the Helping Hands Concert and Auction in Dec. 2022, when they raised $3 million that went directly to the organization’s efforts in supporting workforce education, disaster relief, and the fight against hunger. The last show featured appearances from Robert Downey Jr., Tony Hawk, and St. Vincent. Greta Van Fleet also performed.
