Metallica rocks Boston with surprise “Sweet Caroline” sing-along, uniting fans despite stormy skies and delays

During their electrifying performance at Gillette Stadium, Metallica’s Robert Trujillo and Kirk Hammett gave Boston fans a surprise that hit home. The pair launched into a lively rendition of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” a song that has become synonymous with Red Sox games at Fenway Park. The crowd immediately connected, erupting in the familiar chorus, turning the rock show into a full-scale local celebration that blended metal with Boston tradition.

Before they even began strumming, Trujillo couldn’t resist having a little fun. With a smirk, he teased the audience, joking, “This song is terrifyingly heavy, so if you start a mosh pit, be careful—we’re shaking already!” It was the kind of humor that made the moment even more special, and as soon as the intro played, the crowd filled the stadium with booming “Bum, bum, bum” chants, followed by the echoing joy of “So good! So good! So good!”

This wasn’t just a spontaneous performance—it was part of a long-standing tradition that Metallica fans have come to love. Trujillo and Hammett often perform mini-tributes during their “doodle” segments, selecting iconic songs that resonate with each city they visit. From belting out “Carry On Wayward Son” in Kansas to “We’re an American Band” in Michigan, they tailor each moment to the spirit of the place, creating an intimate connection between Metallica and their fans.

That night in Foxborough, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Just as fans were settling into their seats, a violent weather front rolled through, forcing a temporary evacuation and delaying the start of the show. But the energy never waned. When the skies cleared, the venue extended curfew rules, and Metallica made sure the wait was worth it, diving headfirst into a charged 15-song set that ended with crushing versions of “One” and “Enter Sandman.”

What might have been remembered as a stormy night became one of joy and camaraderie. The crowd, bonded not only by music but also by local pride, erupted as soon as the opening chords of “Sweet Caroline” rang out. It was more than just a cover—it was a gesture that acknowledged Boston’s love for its anthem and gave it a new place in Metallica lore.

Metallica’s ’72 Seasons’ 2024 Tour Approaches Finale

The “Sweet Caroline” moment was just one of many unique touches during Metallica’s extensive ’72 Seasons’ world tour. With each city hosting two nights of completely different setlists, fans are treated to a broader spectrum of the band’s decades-long legacy. It’s a bold move that keeps things fresh and exciting—both for long-time devotees and new listeners experiencing the band for the first time.

Now, as the tour nears its end, all eyes turn to Chicago, where Metallica is set to perform at Soldier Field. It’s the penultimate stop before the grand finale—four shows over two weekends in Mexico City. The tour’s structure not only spotlights their unmatched stamina but also their continued desire to give each city something entirely its own.

Each concert during this tour feels like a living, breathing thank-you letter to their fans. The Boston moment, with its nod to Red Sox culture, proves that Metallica doesn’t just play to audiences—they play *with* them, forging memories that go far beyond the music itself. It’s these personalized moments that have helped the band maintain such a loyal following for more than four decades.

Watch Trujillo and Hammett play and sing “Sweet Caroline” below.