Metallica surprised fans in Cardiff with an unexpected performance of Tom Jones’ 1968 hit “Delilah” during their M72 World Tour stop at Principality Stadium, despite the song having been banned at the venue for rugby events in recent years.
The memorable moment came during the band’s traditional “doodle” segment, where guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo pay tribute to artists connected to the city or country they’re visiting. In Wales, the duo chose one of the nation’s most famous songs, prompting thousands of fans to enthusiastically sing along.
A Tribute To Welsh Music
Originally released in 1968, “Delilah” became one of Tom Jones’ signature songs and evolved into an unofficial anthem for Welsh rugby supporters. For decades, it echoed around Principality Stadium before international rugby matches, becoming deeply embedded in Welsh sporting culture.
Metallica’s rendition was brief but powerful, with Trujillo leading the vocals while Hammett provided the guitar accompaniment. The performance instantly energized the crowd, many of whom knew every word.
Why The Song Is Controversial
Although beloved by generations of Welsh fans, “Delilah” has also been the subject of controversy because its lyrics tell the story of a man who kills his unfaithful partner.
Concerns over the song’s depiction of domestic violence led Principality Stadium to remove it from its official playlists in 2015. In 2023, the Welsh Rugby Union expanded the restrictions by asking choirs not to perform the song during international matches, saying it could be upsetting to some supporters.
Metallica’s performance did not appear to be an official protest against the ban, though it inevitably reignited discussion around the song’s place in Welsh culture.
A Crowd-Pleasing Moment
The Cardiff show attracted more than 76,000 fans, making it one of the largest concerts ever held at Principality Stadium. The surprise cover came midway through a set packed with Metallica classics, including “Creeping Death,” “Fuel,” “Master of Puppets,” and “Enter Sandman.”
Metallica have made their nightly “doodle” performances a popular feature of the M72 World Tour, regularly honoring local artists with playful covers. Previous stops have seen the band perform songs by regional legends, giving each concert a unique local flavor.
Another Memorable Stop On The M72 Tour
The Cardiff performance added another headline-grabbing moment to Metallica’s record-breaking European tour. While fans came expecting the band’s trademark heavy metal spectacle, few anticipated hearing a classic Welsh pop anthem, especially one that has effectively been banned from the stadium during rugby events.
For one night, however, “Delilah” rang out once again inside Principality Stadium, with thousands of voices joining Metallica in a singalong that blended Welsh tradition with heavy metal history.
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