Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett slipped off the stage during the band’s performance of “Seek & Destroy” at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Friday, June 19. The fall occurred when a stage cover gave way near the edge, but the guitarist quickly regained his footing with assistance from fans and continued the song.
Hammett later referenced the incident on his Instagram Stories, jokingly captioning the clip “Slip & Destroy.”
The mishap follows recent criticism from Taylor Swift fans after Hammett wore a T‑shirt reading “Taylor Swift Is A CIA Psyop” at a Metallica concert in Budapest on June 13.
Kirk Hammett wears t-shirt that says “Taylor Swift is a CIA Psyop,” mocking conspiracy theorists during a show in Budapest.
This satirical shirt humorously critiques and mocks the absurdity of the real‑world conspiracy theories that assert Swift is a government asset.
The…
— BBQ Chiefs (@BBQChiefs) June 19, 2026
Images of the shirt circulated online, prompting a backlash from some Swift supporters. Hammett has not publicly responded to the criticism.
Metallica are currently on the European leg of their “M72” world tour, with the Dublin concert marking the first of two nights at Aviva Stadium, supported by Pantera and Avatar. They will return to the venue on June 21, joined by Gojira and Knocked Loose.
The tour’s “No Repeat Weekend” format features different setlists and supporting acts for each night. Upcoming UK dates include shows in Glasgow, Cardiff and London later this month and in July.
Metallica have also announced two additional U.S. shows in November with Suicidal Tendencies and Spiritbox, and a residency at the Las Vegas Sphere from October 2026 through March 2027.
In a four‑star review of the Amsterdam opener, NME praised the band’s renewed energy, noting the “surprising, ambitious and giddy gig” and highlighting performances of “Nothing Else Matters” and “Seek & Destroy.”
Elsewhere, the band has partnered with UK blood services to encourage fans to donate blood and plasma during upcoming tour dates, and they have announced the reissue “Reload (Remastered),” a expanded edition of their 1997 album set for release on June 26.
Former bassist Jason Newsted recently revealed he has been declared “free and clear” after completing treatment for throat cancer.
