A Metallica fan by the name of Lorne died at the band’s show at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Canada, on Friday night (August 23rd) after suffering a health issue in the “Snake Pit” area of the audience that is surrounded by the stage. The legendary metal act paid tribute to Lorne (nickname “Viking”) on Wednesday (August 28th), sharing a photo of him on their social media accounts.
“Friday night, August 23rd, in Edmonton we lost a Metallica family member at the show,” wrote the band. “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.”
On Reddit, a screen grab of a post by an apparent friend of Lorne’s on a Metallica Facebook group offered more insight into his death. “Edmonton concert on Friday night, my friend Lorne suffered a medical issue and was taken out of the snake pit on a stretcher while EMS did aggressive CPR,” reads the post. “Despite their efforts, Lorne did not survive. … Please crank up a Metallica song and raise a glass for the Viking!! RIP my dear friend.”
Another Reddit user offered an eyewitness account of the incident, reporting that Lorne collapsed multiple times in the Snake Pit before being carried away by EMS workers.
Metallica’s two-year “M72 World Tour” is winding down with only a handful of dates remaining. The band is set to play two shows in Seattle this weekend, before wrapping up the tour with four shows in Mexico City in late September.
Our condolences go out to Lorne’s family and friends during this difficult time. See Metallica’s tribute to Lorne in the Instagram post below.
