On Friday, December 13, METALLICA returned to Los Angeles for their fourth “Helping Hands Concert & Auction”, a star-studded event that exemplified the band’s commitment to philanthropy and its loyal fanbase. Held at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, the event saw METALLICA perform both an acoustic and electric set, along with a stellar lineup of supporting musicians. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel for the second consecutive year, the evening was a major success, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting All Within My Hands, METALLICA’s charitable foundation. This year’s event marked another milestone in the band’s ongoing efforts to support workforce education, combat hunger, and provide disaster relief to local communities.
An Acoustic Set Like No Other
METALLICA’s acoustic performance was one of the most anticipated parts of the night, offering a rare opportunity to hear the legendary band in an intimate, stripped-down setting. The setlist was a mix of classic METALLICA tracks, deep cuts, and a few surprises.
The band kicked off the acoustic portion with Low Man’s Lyric, a track that hadn’t been performed since 1998. This was a moment that delighted long-time fans, showcasing METALLICA’s ability to reinvent their material for a more subdued performance. The inclusion of Helpless, a Diamond Head cover, was another throwback, having not been performed since 2018.
Arguably the most surprising part of the acoustic set was the live debut of Away From Home, a cover of Bachman–Turner Overdrive, which received a warm reception from the crowd. The inclusion of SistaStrings, a classically trained duo named 2023’s “best instrumentalists” by the Americana Music Association, added a unique and rich texture to the acoustic arrangements, particularly on If Darkness Had a Son—a live debut of its acoustic version—and Nothing Else Matters, which has long been a staple of METALLICA’s live performances. The subtle strings provided a softer contrast to the heavier elements of the songs, proving once again how versatile METALLICA’s music can be when reimagined.
Electric Set: Heavy Hits and Special Collaborations
The electric portion of the evening was where METALLICA unleashed their full, unrelenting energy. Kicking things off with Orion, the instrumental track from Master of Puppets, the band quickly shifted gears into fan favorites like The Shortest Straw and Until It Sleeps. As the audience was treated to a mixture of crowd-pleasers and rarities, it became clear that METALLICA had curated a set that balanced both their history and their forward momentum.
One of the evening’s highlights was The Unforgiven II, which hadn’t been performed live since 2015. This track was made even more special by the addition of Avi Vinocur on guitar, providing a fresh layer to the song’s melancholic tones. Another exciting moment was Hit The Lights, with Jeff Ament (of Pearl Jam) joining the band on bass for a raucous rendition of the track that took the crowd back to METALLICA’s thrash roots.
As always, the band ended the electric set with the iconic Master of Puppets, a song that never fails to electrify the crowd, drawing everyone into a unified roar. METALLICA’s musicianship and commitment to their craft were on full display throughout the entire performance, ensuring that this event was a memorable one for everyone involved.
The Power of All Within My Hands
Beyond the electrifying performances, what truly sets the Helping Hands Concert & Auction apart is its philanthropic purpose. Every dollar raised from ticket sales and the auction went directly to All Within My Hands (AWMH), METALLICA’s non-profit foundation. Established in 2017, AWMH supports a variety of causes, including workforce education, hunger relief, disaster response, and other essential services. The foundation is uniquely transparent, with all operational costs covered by the band and its supporters, ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to the causes it supports.
This year, the event raised an impressive amount for AWMH’s ongoing projects. Previous “Helping Hands” events have already raised millions of dollars, and METALLICA’s commitment to giving back has had a profound impact on the communities the band has visited. In 2022 alone, the foundation raised nearly $3 million at the concert, directly benefiting those in need.
One of the most significant initiatives of AWMH is the Metallica Scholars Initiative, a groundbreaking program that funds career and technical education programs, which have been vital in helping individuals improve their skills and find long-term employment opportunities. AWMH also helps fight food insecurity, providing millions of meals to those in need, and aids in disaster relief efforts. METALLICA’s role in funding these programs is invaluable, and their fans continue to support these endeavors by participating in the auctions and buying tickets.
A Successful Night for METALLICA and Their Fans
This year’s Helping Hands Concert & Auction was another testament to METALLICA’s enduring legacy—not just in the world of music, but also in their philanthropic efforts. By blending high-quality performances with meaningful charitable contributions, METALLICA has set an example of how artists can use their platform for good.
The evening was a unique blend of heavy metal and heart, offering something for every fan of METALLICA, whether they were there for the music or the cause. The band’s ability to deliver powerful acoustic and electric performances while staying true to their commitment to helping others shows just how much they have grown as artists and as individuals. As the night came to a close, the sense of unity in the room—brought about by METALLICA’s music and the incredible impact of AWMH—was undeniable.
With a foundation that has raised over $15 million in support of workforce education, hunger relief, and disaster recovery, METALLICA continues to prove that they are more than just a band—they are a force for good. The “Helping Hands Concert & Auction” may be an annual event, but its impact will resonate for years to come, with METALLICA at the forefront of both musical innovation and charitable giving.
Setlist (Acoustic):
- Low Man’s Lyric
- Helpless (Diamond Head cover)
- Away From Home (Bachman–Turner Overdrive cover)
- If Darkness Had A Son
- Nothing Else Matters
Setlist (Electric):
- Orion
- The Shortest Straw
- Until It Sleeps
- Screaming Suicide
- The Unforgiven II
- Fuel
- Hit The Lights (with Jeff Ament)
- Master Of Puppets
In conclusion, the Helping Hands Concert & Auction is more than just a night of great music—it’s a chance for METALLICA to give back to the communities that have supported them throughout their career. With a stellar performance and a continued commitment to meaningful causes, METALLICA once again proved that their influence extends far beyond the stage.
