In the summer of 1992, the Olympic Stadium in Montreal was buzzing with anticipation. Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, two of rock’s most formidable forces, were co-headlining a tour that was already making headlines for its chaotic antics. Little did the audience know that the Montreal concert would soon become the stuff of rock legend, and not for the reasons they’d hoped.
Fade to… Flames?
As Metallica’s haunting ballad “Fade to Black” echoed through the stadium, James Hetfield found himself in a precarious position. Literally. Unsure of his stage coordinates, Hetfield took a fateful step into a 12-foot high torch of fire. The fiercely hot plumes of colored flame didn’t care for the song’s lyrics, engulfing Hetfield and leaving him with second-degree burns.
Unsure of his stage coordinates, Hetfield took a fateful step into a 12-foot high torch of fire.
The pyrotechnic mishap was so severe that Hetfield’s clothes and even his wedding band had to be cut off to treat the injuries. Pete Cappadocia, the pyro tech for GN’R, later revealed a change in pyro placement was to blame. Hetfield had walked to his spot, but an extra half step put him right in the line of fire. Recalling the incident, Hetfield described the pain as something he’d never felt before, a sentiment that probably resonated with anyone who’s ever stepped on a Lego, but this was undoubtedly more intense.
A Night to (Not) Remember
With their lead singer injured, Metallica had no choice but to cut their set short. But the night’s drama was far from over. Guns N’ Roses, never ones to be outdone in the controversy department, took the stage hours later than scheduled. And if that wasn’t enough to ruffle the feathers of an already agitated crowd, Axl Rose’s vocal cord issues led the band to end their set prematurely.
The result? A full-blown riot. Fans, disappointed and angry, unleashed their fury on the streets of Montreal.
The result? A full-blown riot. Fans, disappointed and angry, unleashed their fury on the streets of Montreal. Cars were overturned, fires raged, and looting was rampant. The police, probably not rock and metal fans, intervened with tear gas. The damages? A cool $400,000, not to mention several injuries and arrests.
The 1992 Montreal concert has since been etched in metal history as one of the most infamous gigs of the ’90s. But, in true Metallica spirit, the band soldiered on. With John Marshall stepping in for Hetfield’s guitar duties, the tour continued. Proving their unwavering commitment to their fans, Metallica made a triumphant return to Montreal in February 1993, honoring their pledge.
