Lightning Strikes Munich: Metallica Turns a Stormy Night Into Rock Legend With “Master of Puppets”

On May 24, 2024, Metallica launched the European segment of their M72 World Tour at Munich’s Olympiastadion, just as the weather unleashed a relentless storm. As the unmistakable opening notes of “Master of Puppets” filled the arena, rain began to pour down in sheets, drenching not just the crowd but every band member on stage. The atmosphere turned electric as the elements joined the music, amplifying the raw power of the performance.

Just as James Hetfield began hammering out the legendary riff, a dramatic flash of lightning split the sky right above the band. The timing was almost supernatural, making the entire stadium gasp in awe. It was a moment that couldn’t be orchestrated—a perfect collision of nature and rock music, creating instant legend on that Munich night.

What many in attendance didn’t immediately realize was the significance of the guitar Hetfield wielded. That evening, he played “Carl,” a one-of-a-kind Explorer crafted from wood salvaged from the very garage where Metallica first defined their sound. That humble California garage had witnessed the creation of “Master of Puppets,” “Ride the Lightning,” and much of the band’s early catalog.

The downpour was unrelenting, yet “Carl” refused to falter. Even as water streamed off the guitar’s body and pickups, Hetfield showed no hesitation. This wasn’t just any instrument; it was a living artifact from 3132 Carlson Boulevard, the birthplace of Metallica’s signature energy. Each note seemed to channel the memories and spirit of those early days.

Fans were amazed, not only by the force of the show, but also by Hetfield’s decision to play such a cherished guitar in these harsh conditions. Rain splashed against the strings, pickups glistened with droplets, and the wood’s unique grain shone through the storm—nothing about this performance felt ordinary. The risk only heightened the spectacle.

Social media erupted in the aftermath. Enthusiasts flooded the internet with reactions—some declared it the ultimate metal moment, others insisted it deserved a place in the band’s history books, and more than a few joked that the lightning was a nod from the late Cliff Burton himself. The sense of authenticity and chaos wasn’t lost on anyone; if anything, it made the night more memorable.

Technical minds were equally impressed. Despite the torrential rain, “Carl” held up perfectly thanks to its sealed, weather-resistant electronics and the road-tested durability of its EMG pickups. Creating a guitar with that kind of heritage is one thing, but for it to endure a storm on stage and sound flawless is a different level of accomplishment.

Drummer Lars Ulrich would later share how no one predicted the weather would become so intense. But once the skies opened up, there was never any thought of leaving the stage. The band pressed forward, the energy of the audience pushing them onward, as the circular stage kept them right in the middle of the action. Metallica took everything the storm threw at them and responded in kind.

The set that night was already loaded with classics, but the storm-lashed “Master of Puppets” instantly became the show’s centerpiece. Images of Hetfield, outlined by lightning, guitar slung low and soaked in rain, quickly became some of the most iconic from the tour. The story of that song, played in such wild conditions, spread rapidly online.

A single TikTok video of the moment captured more than 800,000 likes within a matter of days. In the footage, Hetfield stands beneath a deluge, delivering his vocals with ferocity, “Carl” hanging low against his side. There was nothing staged about it—just sheer determination, history, and pure metal attitude on display.

Both critics and fans immediately recognized the performance as one of Metallica’s most unforgettable in years. It wasn’t just about flawless playing; it was about embracing the moment, no matter how unpredictable. No theatrics, no attempts to shield themselves from the weather—just Metallica, doing what they do best in the middle of chaos.

Audience members described the night with a sense of pride, comparing it to a battle survived together. Many said it felt like being part of something historic, an experience they would one day recount to their children: the night Metallica, the storm, the iconic song, and that storied guitar all collided.

Throughout it all, “Carl” remained front and center—a piece of Metallica’s past that withstood nature’s test in a modern stadium, sounding out the very songs it helped create decades before.

Hetfield didn’t merely perform “Master of Puppets” that night; he seemed to conjure its spirit, channeling the band’s origins through a storm-soaked guitar. The result was a singular moment, fusing memory and power, past and present, in a way that will be retold for years.

For everyone who witnessed the Munich show, it became clear: this was more than just another tour stop. It was proof that Metallica’s legacy thrives on grit, resilience, and the ability to turn even the fiercest storm into a legendary chapter in rock history.