Watch Metallica Members Cover an Early Rush Classic During Band’s Latest Concert in Edmonton, Canada

In recent years, Metallica’s concerts have featured special interludes where bassist Robert Trujillo and guitarist Kirk Hammett play covers of songs that have a connection to the local city or area where the band is playing that night. At the metal legend’s latest show, on Sunday, August 25, in Edmonton, Canada, the two rockers treated fans to a tune by one of the most famous Canadian rock bands ever—Rush.

VIDEOS BY AMERICAN SONGWRITER

The dynamic Metallica duo delivered a rocking, abbreviated version of “Working Man,” a gem from Rush’s 1974 self-titled debut album. As seen in fan-shot video, Trujillo sang the riff-heavy tune with the help of a lyric sheet placed on a music stand. The performance received a big ovation from the crowd.

The rendition of “Working Man” came six songs into Metallica’s show at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, after a version of “Screaming Suicide,” from the band’s 2023 album 72 Seasons.

More About “Working Man”

The song was co-written by frontman Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson. Rush got its first U.S. radio exposure when Cleveland-area rock DJ Donna Halper began playing “Working Man” on WMMS. The airplay apparently helped Rush score its first record deal with a U.S. label.

In a 2015 video Q&A with Rolling Stone, Lee chose “Working Man” as his favorite Rush song to play live. It was the final tune that the Canadian power trio performed at their final concert ever, on August 1, 2015, at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

More About Trujillo and Hammett’s “Doodles”

Trujillo and Hammett’s duo performances at Metallica shows are known as “doodles.” Recent “doodles” have included a rendition of “Sweet Caroline” at the band’s August 4 show in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and an a cappella version of the Mary Tyler Moore Show theme song, “Love Is All Around,” at their August 18 concert in Minneapolis.

Metallica’s 2024 Tour Plans

Metallica will wrap up the current U.S. leg of its M72 World Tour with August 30 and September 1 shows in Seattle. The band also has four concerts lined up in Mexico City, on September 20, 22, 27, and 29.

Metallica also will be performing at the 2024 edition of its Helping Hands benefit concert and auction. The event, which raises money for the band’s All Within My Hands Foundation, is scheduled for December 13 at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles.

Tickets for Metallica’s concerts are available now via a variety of outlets, including StubHub.

(Photo by Hollandse Hoogte/Shutterstock)
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