It’s the kind of partnership you probably weren’t expecting — but Metallica are teaming up with the Welsh Blood Service ahead of their first Cardiff show in 30 years, in what is being billed as the first-ever collaboration between UK blood services and a global rock band.
The Welsh Blood Service, along with other UK blood services, has announced the deal with the band and their charity All Within My Hands ahead of the European leg of their record-breaking M72 World Tour — which arrives at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Sunday 28 June.
Special blood donation sessions will run for a full week either side of the concert, giving fans and the wider public additional opportunities to come forward and help patients across Wales.
It is Metallica’s first show at the Principality Stadium and their first performance in Cardiff since 1996. The Cardiff date is one of just two single-night UK stadium shows on the 2026 tour — alongside Glasgow’s Hampden Park on 25 June. The band will also play two-night runs in Dublin and London.
The Welsh Blood Service collects around 100,000 blood donations every year to supply every hospital in Wales — and says the constant need for blood is at the heart of the campaign.
The service holds around seven days of blood stock across the UK at any one time, meaning it must continually inspire existing donors to return and persuade new donors to come forward.
The campaign focuses on raising awareness of the vital role donors play in supporting trauma victims, people undergoing cancer treatment, new mothers, and those living with long-term conditions such as sickle cell disease.
Alan Prosser, Director of the Welsh Blood Service, said: “This is a truly unique moment for blood donation in Wales and across the UK. Partnering with a band of Metallica’s reach allows us to connect with new audiences and shine a spotlight on the ongoing need for blood.”
He added: “In a sense, we all have a little bit of ‘metal’ in our blood — but more importantly, we all have the ability to help save lives by choosing to donate. Donation is always voluntary and unpaid here in the UK, but every person who chooses to give makes a real difference to patients and families in need. We’re proud to be part of a collaboration that brings people together to save lives.”
The partnership is the latest in a series of similar campaigns the band has run with blood services around the world. Metallica has already worked alongside blood services in the United States and Australia to raise awareness of donation, and is bringing that approach to the UK for the first time.
A Metallica spokesperson said: “Wherever we go on tour, we want to give something meaningful back to the communities that welcome us. We’ve seen in the United States and Australia how working with blood services can help raise awareness of blood donation and support patients, and we’re excited to bring that same approach to the UK.”
The spokesperson added: “Partnering with blood services is about encouraging people to look out for one another and supporting those who rely on donated blood every day. It is a simple act that can make a powerful difference.”
Metallica’s All Within My Hands charity — established in 2017 by band members and management — supports communities around the world by strengthening local services and responding to critical needs. The band covers all administrative costs so that every pound donated goes directly to good causes. A portion of proceeds from every ticket sold on the tour goes to local charities through the foundation.
The Welsh Blood Service has been the focus of a series of high-profile awareness campaigns in recent years. Welsh comedian Rhod Gilbert urged 17–30 year olds to register as stem cell donors following his own cancer treatment, and families across south-west Wales have shared their own stories — from a Bridgend father whose son’s life was saved by donor blood, to an Ammanford family’s “Christmas miracle” after their daughter survived cancer twice.
The Welsh Blood Service welcomes donors of all blood types. Anyone aged between 17 and 66 who weighs over 50kg (7st 12lb) can become a donor, though there are height and weight restrictions for women under 20. All donation clinics are by appointment only and a single donation can help save up to three lives.
To find out more or to book a blood donation appointment, fans and donors can visit wbs.wales/metallica or call 0800 252266.
