Metallica performed an unexpected cover of Van Halen’s “Runnin’ with the Devil” last night!
Metallica’s own professionally filmed footage of the of cover at can be viewed above, along with some fan-filmed footage, below. The abbreviated cover took place in Pasadena — Van Halen’s old stomping grounds — at the Rose Bowl stadium, on July 29th.
Metallica played the classic Van Halen song for about a minute, complete with James having fun with those iconic David Lee Roth screams, which were not exactly easy on his vocal chords. The crowd sang along, just as they do at Van Halen shows.
After a minute, James stopped singing and addressed the crowd. “That’s all I can sing. [Exaggerated coughing] Wow. Alright. That’s a little homage to the Pasadena boys. Sorry you had to put up with that.” [Laughs]. Then Kirk Hammett launches into the opening riff of “You Really Got Me” and the crowd screams some more. “That wasn’t too bad — that was kind of fun,” concluded Hetfield.
Metallica’s WorldWired 2017 North American Tour is in support of their new album Hardwired…To Self-Destruct.
Very cool for Metallica to tip their hat to the boys from Pasadena!