Metallica and the American Red Cross are celebrating a major milestone. More than a year after the metal icons joined forces with the organization via their All Within My Hands foundation to help save lives through blood donation, the Red Cross announced on Wednesday (March 18) that since its launch in April 2025 more than 25,000 blood donations have been collected across the U.S. as part of their Red Cross x Metallica collaboration.
“What Metallica and their fans have accomplished this year is truly monumental ─ inspiring people to give blood for the first time while also energizing teens and young adults about the donation process,” said Darren Irby, Red Cross executive director for national partnerships in a statement. “There is no substitute for blood ─ volunteer blood donors are the only source, and the Red Cross is deeply grateful for the significant impact this partnership has made for those facing cancer treatment, surgeries and traumatic situations.”
Metallica fans definitely showed up to do their part, with the Red Cross reporting that 16% of participants donated blood for the first time, and nearly half were new donors ages 16-24. The Red Cross said that support came amid a broader increase in Gen Z blood donations year-over-year, illuminating what the organization said was proof that the post-Millennial generation born between 1997 and 2012 is willing to step up and engage in simple acts of service that can have a huge impact.
“A hallmark mission of the All Within My Hands Foundation is to support critical care and communities, encouraging fans and friends to take action,” said Metallic drummer Lars Ulrich. “We’re thrilled the Metallica Family recognizes the importance of blood donation and didn’t hesitate to rally behind this lifesaving effort. Their enthusiasm has made a real difference, and we’re honored to stand alongside them.”
Metallica launched blood drives at select stops on the U.S. leg of their M72 tour, which launched on April 27, 2023 in Amsterdam before hitting North American shores on August 4 of that year; the outing is slated to wrap up on July 5 with the second of two shows at London Stadium in London.
According to the Red Cross, once the campaign expanded nationwide, fans who donated blood or platelets and registered their donation at blood drives between July 29, 2025 and Feb. 28, 2026 received a limited-edition T-shirt (while supplies lasted) and were entered to win a one-of-a-kind ESP Snakebyte guitar, signed by all the band’s members, featuring an exclusive Red Cross x Metallica design by Squindo.
Anyone interested in donating blood can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor app or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information; all blood types are needed.