Metallica 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.
“On Friday night, August 23rd, in Edmonton we lost a member of the Metallica family at the show,” the band wrote. “He died due to health problems. Leaving the earthly body and on to the next adventure. Very sad when death happens, but we are touched that he spent some of his last, hopefully happy, time with us. Our condolences to the family and friends of Lorne 'Viking'. With love and respect, Metallica.”
Metallica were playing at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium on Friday when Lorne died mid-show. One of his friends shared in a Facebook fan group that 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 concerts, which was mainly inspired by restaurant chef's tables.
Metallica are currently in the middle 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 the first single, “Lux Æterna”.
“72 seasons — the first 18 years of our lives that shape our true or false selves,” he said in a statement. “The idea that we were told 'who we are' by our parents. A potential pigeonhole around what kind of personality we are. I think the most interesting part of this is the continued study of these core beliefs and how they affect our perception of the world today. Much of our adult experience is a representation or reaction to these childhood experiences. Prisoners of childhood or release from these bonds we carry.'
Last month, Metallica announced that they would be bringing back their Helping Hands concert and auction. The band will perform a benefit concert on December 13 at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles with a yet-to-be-revealed guest star lineup hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, with proceeds going to the Helping Hands organization.
Metallica last hosted the Helping Hands concert and auction in December 2022, when they raised $3 million that went directly to the organization's efforts to support workforce education, disaster relief and fight hunger. The final show featured appearances by Robert Downey Jr., Tony Hawk and St. Vincent. Greta Van Fleet also starred.
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