Metallica has collaborated with the NHS to ask fans to donate blood ahead of their UK tour, this comes after the band made blood donations soar after their promotion in the US.10:11, 26 May 2026Metallica have asked fans to donate blood ahead of their tour in the UK, in a very first as the NHS collaborates with a rock band.‌“Wherever we go on tour, we want to give something meaningful back to the communities that welcome us,” said a spokesperson for the heavy metal band.‌“We’ve seen in the United States and Australia how working with blood services can help raise awareness of blood donation and support patients, and we’re excited to bring that same approach to the UK.”‌In the US, the band collaborated with the American Red Cross and encouraged fans to donate blood, after initially launching in April 2025, more than 25,000 donations have been collected.In Australia, after collaborating with the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, the total number of blood donations collected rose to over 40,000.‌The band is playing across the UK in June at Glasgow’s Hampden Park and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, followed by two dates at the London Stadium in early July.“As we close out the European leg of the M72 World Tour in the UK, we’re asking fans to step up and be part of something bigger than the show,” the band’s spokesperson added.“Looking out for one another and supporting those who rely on donated blood every day is a simple act that can make a powerful difference.”‌Alan Prosser, a spokesman for the Welsh Blood Service, commented on the importance of the collaboration: “This is a truly unique moment for blood donation across the UK. Partnering with a band of Metallica’s global reach allows us to connect with new audiences and shine a spotlight on the ongoing need for blood.“Just as metal music runs strongly through Metallica fans’ veins so does the blood which gives the power to save up to three lives with every donation.“Donation is always voluntary and unpaid in the UK, so every person who chooses to give makes a real difference to patients and families in need. We’re proud to be part of a collaboration that brings people together to save lives.”Article continues belowGerry Gogarty, director of blood supply for NHS Blood and Transplant said: “Metallica are experts at raising the volume – and by calling on their millions of fans around the world to become regular blood donors, they are helping to boost life-saving blood stocks too.”In the UK, blood stocks for some types of blood are currently at 'pre-amber' status, which means that there is a 'reduced availability of blood for a short or a prolonged period' for types O and B negative blood. In March there was a call for donors, specifically those based in London after stock shortages, in the past two weeks the NHS also made a call for Black donors following a rise in sickle cell disease.Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .