The band donated its M72 staging to organizers after a fire destroyed its main stage
In a remarkable display of inter-genre solidarity, Metallica has reportedly rescued one of the world’s iconic electronic dance music (EDM) festivals, Belgium’s Tomorrowland, after a devastating fire destroyed its main stage just days before the event was set to begin.
A massive fire on Wednesday, July 16th, decimated the elaborate Orbyz main stage of the EDM festival, threatening to cancel the highly anticipated gathering. However, in an incredible turn of events, Metallica lent the festival elements of their M72 World Tour stage, which was stored in Austria between their European tour legs, which resumes in 2026.
The components of Metallica’s touring stage, which are designed for rapid assembly, were airlifted to Belgium overnight. Thanks to this swift action and the tireless efforts of Tomorrowland’s crews, a replacement main stage was constructed in approximately 24 hours, allowing the festival to miraculously kick off as scheduled last night (Fri, July 18th).
Dutch DJ Martin Garrix, who performed on Friday, publicly acknowledged Metallica’s contribution, posting a photo with Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich and expressing gratitude for their help saving his set and the festival.
“I can not believe I’m actually typing this… but my set at Tomorrowland is still happening! 🙏” he says on Instagram. “massive love and a big shoutout to the incredible @tomorrowland team for pulling off miracles — and to @Metallica for coming through with the new stage parts 🤘❤️ beyond excited to close the mainstage tonight. & this will hands down be the most unique Tomorrowland ever — and yes, I’ll be streaming it too.”
While the substitute stage is not a one-for-one replica of the original, its quick deployment, made possible by the robust and adaptable design of Metallica’s touring rig, which was built by Belgian company Stageco, ensured that the show went on for the tens of thousands of attendees. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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