Teen rocker Callum McPhie wows on Australia’s Got Talent with a Metallica cover.
Heavy metal has always held a magnetic power—unapologetic, rebellious, and deeply emotional. Over the years, it’s created a cultural force unlike any other, with Metallica at the heart of that revolution. Their blistering riffs and raw honesty gave people something to connect with, and their influence has stretched across decades and continents, inspiring countless fans to pick up an instrument and unleash their own sound.
Among those inspired is Callum McPhie, a ten-year-old musical prodigy from Canberra, Australia, who has been gaining attention far beyond his years. During his jaw-dropping audition on Australia’s Got Talent, Callum brought the thunder with a commanding version of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” The crowd rose to their feet, and the judges were left stunned by the sheer intensity and confidence radiating from someone so young.
It wasn’t just the performance that amazed people—it was the authenticity in his delivery. Callum didn’t merely copy a song; he lived it on stage. From the opening riff to the final scream, he showed a deep understanding of the track’s dark, relentless spirit. This wasn’t just a kid having fun—this was a true tribute to one of the genre’s most iconic anthems.
That night, Callum became more than a contestant—he became a symbol of how music knows no age. With his electric guitar slung across his shoulder and the glare of stage lights bouncing off his determined expression, he reminded everyone of what first drew them to heavy metal: raw emotion and pure adrenaline. Audiences felt like they were witnessing the beginning of something big.
Behind his rising success is a strong support system. Callum’s family has nurtured his passion every step of the way, and his guitar mentor—a renowned French instructor who also worked with viral sensation Tina S.—continues to guide his technique and musical evolution. That mentorship has clearly paid off, elevating Callum’s playing to a level well beyond his age.
Although his time on the televised competition came to an end with a fearless cover of Dragonforce’s “Through The Fire And Flames,” it’s clear that Callum’s musical fire is just getting started. That performance, technically demanding and blisteringly fast, showed just how far he’s come—and how much further he’s ready to go. The elimination didn’t mark a stop; it marked a shift.
Now, Callum is turning his attention to new sonic landscapes. With his band, St. Crimson, he’s diving into the intricate rhythms and experimental soundscapes of progressive rock, particularly the groundbreaking work of King Crimson. It’s a bold direction for someone so young, but fitting for a musician with such an ambitious and curious spirit.
Callum’s brief but unforgettable presence on national television has ignited a spark in countless aspiring musicians. His fearlessness, skill, and passion continue to echo through online clips and word-of-mouth. More than just a performer, he’s becoming a role model—proof that even the youngest players can shake the foundations of a genre as intense and powerful as metal.
He’s also had the chance to meet some of the genre’s biggest icons, including the legendary Ozzy Osbourne—a dream moment for any rocker, let alone someone who hasn’t yet hit their teenage years. With that kind of recognition and momentum, Callum McPhie isn’t just a rising star—he’s a torchbearer for the next generation of metal.
