Metallica, formed in the 1980s by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, became a heavy metal powerhouse with albums like Master of Puppets and a legacy that includes over 125 million albums sold. Decades later, the band is still going strong—and giving back.

At the Helping Hands benefit concert in Inglewood, California, Metallica treated fans to a rare and intimate performance at the YouTube Theater. The event supported the All Within My Hands Foundation, which helps communities that have supported the band over the years. The organization also encourages fans to get involved and give back.

To make the night even more special, Metallica dusted off rarely played songs like Low Man’s Lyric from their 1997 Reload album. The last time they performed it live was back in 1998, making the moment feel like a deep-cut treasure for longtime fans. One fan commented, “Core memory unlocked. Legit forgot about this one for 20+ years. Appropriate winter song.”

They also performed Fuel, another standout from Reload, which earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1999. Though they didn’t win, the song remains a fan favorite and a reminder of Metallica’s explosive energy in the late ‘90s.

Even with decades of experience and sold-out arenas under their belts, frontman James Hetfield recently opened up about his personal battles. On The Metallica Report podcast, he admitted, “The mind is the enemy most of the time.” He shared how he works through anxiety before shows, saying, “Just trying to avoid that overthinking… and be connected to a higher power.”

Through rare performances and honest reflections, Metallica continues to show why they’re not just legends of metal—but legends with heart.