Metallica performed a live cover of Tom Jones’ 1968 hit “Delilah” during their concert at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on June 28, 2024, as part of their ongoing M72 world tour. The performance took place despite a standing policy by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) that prohibits the song from being played by choirs during international rugby matches at the venue due to concerns regarding its lyrical content. The band included the track as part of their recurring “Kirk and Rob Doodle” segment, a mid-set feature where guitarists Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo perform instrumental or vocal tributes to regional musical figures.
The decision to feature the song in the Welsh capital carried particular resonance given the ongoing debate surrounding its status at the stadium. In 2023, the WRU confirmed it had removed the song from the playlist of choirs performing at Wales rugby internationals. In a statement issued at that time, the organization explained that it “condemn[s] domestic violence of any kind” and noted that it had consulted with subject matter experts before deciding to censor the track, acknowledging that its narrative of a man killing his partner is “problematic and upsetting to some supporters.”
The song, written by Barry Mason, depicts a domestic homicide triggered by jealousy. While the WRU’s restriction applies specifically to official choir performances during match days, it does not prevent fans from singing the song independently. Tom Jones, a native of Pontypridd, Wales, publicly opposed the WRU’s 2023 decision. During a performance at Cardiff Castle in July 2023, Jones addressed the crowd, stating: “You can’t stop us singing ‘Delilah’. They may stop the choir from singing it, but they haven’t stopped the crowd. Keep on singing it – and I’ll keep on singing it too.”
Metallica’s Regional Tribute Strategy
The inclusion of “Delilah” fits into a broader pattern for the M72 tour, where Hammett and Trujillo utilize their mid-set slot to perform songs associated with the cities they visit. This practice has seen the duo perform a variety of localized tributes throughout their international dates. In Berlin, the pair performed Rammstein’s “Sonne,” while their Swedish audiences heard an interpretation of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.” During a stop in Norway, they performed a-ha’s “Take On Me.”
This approach has continued throughout the band’s recent UK and Ireland dates. Earlier in June 2024, the band performed The Pogues’ “Dirty Old Town” in Dublin. During their stop in Glasgow, they featured both The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” and Nazareth’s “Hair Of The Dog.” These segments are generally characterized by a more informal, improvisational tone compared to the band’s standard setlist, which focuses on their core discography.
Tour Logistics and Recent Developments
Following the Cardiff performance, Metallica is scheduled to continue their UK tour with two shows at London Stadium on July 3 and July 5, 2024. The first night in London is set to feature opening performances by Gojira and Knocked Loose, while the second night will include Pantera and Avatar. The band recently expanded their catalog with the release of Reload (Remastered), a reissue of their 1997 album that includes previously unreleased demos and live recordings.
The tour has seen several moments of note beyond their musical performances. During a show in Dublin earlier in June, guitarist Kirk Hammett experienced a fall while performing “Seek & Destroy.” Hammett later addressed the incident on social media, posting a clip of the fall with the caption: “Slip & Destroy.” The band also navigated a period of public scrutiny earlier in the month when Hammett wore a T-shirt reading “Taylor Swift Is A CIA Psyop” during their June 13 performance in Budapest, an action that drew criticism from fans of the pop artist.
Despite these incidents, critical reception to the M72 tour has remained largely positive. Reviewing the tour’s opening night in Amsterdam, critics noted that the band continues to maintain a high level of energy, describing the performances as both “ambitious” and “giddy.” The band remains one of the most prominent touring acts in heavy metal, with their current production utilizing a unique circular stage design intended to provide a 360-degree experience for stadium audiences.
Fans seeking information regarding remaining tickets for the London dates or updates on future tour legs are directed to the band’s official website. As the tour progresses, further updates regarding the band’s setlists and tour logistics are expected to be shared through their official social media channels. Readers are invited to share their thoughts on the band’s tribute choices in the comments section below.