Music

Tomorrowland Festival Saved by Metallica With Just Hours to Spare Following Stage Fire

Dutch DJ Martin Garrix thanked the band for "coming through with the new stage parts."

James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett of Metallica perform a show during their first night at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Friday, June 20, 2025.
Yalonda M. James/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Legendary rock band Metallica came to the rescue after Tomorrowland's main stage caught fire just two days before the dance festival was set to begin.

Plans for 70,000 attendees to make the Boom, Belgium event were up in the air after flames engulfed the main stage on Wednesday (July 16). Residents in the area were advised to keep their windows and doors shut while the fire was being extinguished by 10,000 onsite workers.

Helping the festival move forward was Metallica, who had just finished the European leg of their WorldWired Tour. The thrash metal legends sent parts of their stage setup and touring rig to Tomorrowland, according to Belgium news outlet HLN, and as confirmed by Dutch DJ Martin Garrix.

"I can not believe I’m actually typing this… but my set at Tomorrowland is still happening! 🙏," Garrix wrote in an Instagram post on Friday (July 18), with a picture showing him with Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich. "massive love and a big shoutout to the incredible @tomorrowland team for pulling off miracles — and to @Metallica for coming through with the new stage parts 🤘❤️"

He concluded, "beyond excited to close the mainstage tonight. & this will hands down be the most unique Tomorrowland ever — and yes, I’ll be streaming it too. lets make history. WE UNITE ❤️"

The festival, which began on Friday (July 18), received positive reactions from attendees for its renovated main stage and will continue with its two-weekend schedule.

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