Metallica delivered an unforgettable night at Virginia Tec’s Lane Stadium on May 7, 2025, as they performed their iconic anthem “Enter Sandman” live for the first time in the very place where it has become legendary. For 25 years, the metal classic has served as the Hokies’ adrenaline-pumping game-day anthem, blaring through the stadium’s speakers as players storm the field, thrilling fans and athletes alike.
The performance, part of Metallica’s “M72 Tour,” was a momentous occasion for both the band and the Virginia Tech community. Kicking off the show with an homage to the Hokies’ game-day traditions, the band simulated the team’s walkout to a recorded version of “Enter Sandman.” The crowd erupted as the live rendition of the song closed the set, cementing a historic moment that will resonate in Lane Stadium’s lore for decades to come.
Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry was among the notable attendees, enjoying the concert from a private suite. Before the performance, Pry met with Metallica members, presenting them with custom Hokies jerseys—No. 25, commemorating the tradition’s anniversary, and No. 72, honoring the tour.
The connection between Metallica and Virginia Tech runs deep. The band has previously acknowledged the song’s significance in Blacksburg, even sending a tribute video for legendary coach Frank Beamer’s farewell game in 2015. The tragic 2009 case of Virginia Tech student Morgan Dana Harrington, who went missing after a Metallica concert, also left an indelible mark. Metallica contributed $50,000 to a reward fund, demonstrating their solidarity with the Hokies community.
The Lane Stadium setlist featured classics like “Creeping Death,” “Master of Puppets,” and “One,” alongside newer tracks like “Lux Æterna.” Fans reveled in every note, as the band delivered a career-spanning performance. The Hokies’ faithful, already known for their enthusiasm during football games, brought the same energy to the concert, making it a night to remember.
Metallica’s tour continues with stops across the United States, including the Sonic Temple Music Festival in Columbus, Ohio, and stadium shows featuring Pantera, Suicidal Tendencies, Limp Bizkit, and Ice Nine Kills. However, the Virginia Tech concert will undoubtedly stand out as a highlight, bringing a quarter-century tradition full circle and reinforcing the bond between Metallica and Hokies fans.
As Lane Stadium echoed with the powerful chords of “Enter Sandman,” the event symbolized more than a concert—it was a celebration of shared history, community, and music’s ability to unite.
