Metallica team up with UK Blood Services to save lives

Metallica and UK blood services are calling on fans to donate blood or plasma around the band's UK tour dates in June and July 2026. A single donation takes around an hour and can help save up to 3 lives.

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About the collaboration

Metallica blood drive graphic, saying "Donate blood to save lives with Metallica" NHS Blood and Transplant together with the Welsh Blood Service and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service have announced a new collaboration with Metallica and the band's charity, All Within My Hands, marking the first time blood services across the UK have worked alongside a global rock phenomenon on this scale to promote blood donation.

As part of the final leg of Metallica’s European M72 World Tour before the band heads back to the United States, the band are calling on their fans to come forward and give blood and plasma around the band's UK tour dates:

Glasgow, Scotland – Hampden Park, Thursday 25 June 2026
Cardiff, Wales – Principality Stadium, Sunday 28 June 2026
London, England – London Stadium, Friday 3 July and Sunday 5 July 2026

Donate near the London Stadium

Donate for a chance to get limited time items

To help raise awareness of blood donation, Metallica's charity has donated a limited number of items to NHS Blood and Transplant.

From Friday 26 June to Friday 3 July 2026, people who attend a booked donation appointment across England during this period may receive one of the following items, while stocks last:

T-shirts at donor centres
Guitar picks at mobile donation sessions

These items have been given to the NHSBT Charity to help amplify awareness of the importance of blood donation. Availability is limited and cannot be guaranteed.

Why donation matters

The need for blood is constant, and with a shelf life of only 35 days, blood services must continually inspire existing donors to return and new donors to come forward.

This collaboration 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.

By harnessing the reach and cultural power of live music, the campaign aims to spark conversations about blood donation and encourage more people to come forward and take action, reinforcing that the need for lifesaving donations continues well beyond any single event.

Supporting those who rely on donated blood every day is a simple act that can make a powerful difference.

Spokespeople statements

Alan Prosser, spokesperson for the Welsh Blood Service

"This is a truly unique moment for blood donation across the UK. Partnering with a band of Metallica's global reach allows us to connect with new audiences and shine a spotlight on the ongoing need for blood.

"Just as metal music runs strongly through Metallica fans' veins – so does the blood which gives the power to save up to 3 lives with every donation.

"Donation is always voluntary and unpaid in the UK, so 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."

A spokesperson from Metallica

"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.

"As we close out the European leg of the M72 World Tour in the UK, we’re asking fans to step up and be part of something bigger than the show.

"Looking out for one another and supporting those who rely on donated blood every day is a simple act that can make a powerful difference."

Metallica's charity, All Within My Hands, supports communities around the world by strengthening local services and responding to critical needs. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to public health, community action, and helping ensure blood is available for patients who depend on it.

Gerry Gogarty, Director of Blood Supply for NHS Blood and Transplant

"Metallica are experts at raising the volume – and by calling on their millions of fans around the world to become regular blood donors, they are helping to boost life-saving blood stocks too.

"Every donation can save up to 3 lives, and we urgently need a new generation of donors ready to roll up their sleeves and make it a lifelong habit.

"Right now in England, we particularly need more O negative, B negative and Ro donors but every donation is vital. Together we can save even more lives."

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