Metallica’s Kirk Hammett & Robert Trujillo Honor Death With “Pull the Plug” Cover in Tampa (June 8) – Watch Robert’s Joyful Grin!

Metallica’s tradition of incorporating “doodles” into their live shows has become one of the most exciting surprises for concertgoers around the world. On June 8, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, Kirk Hammett and Rob Trujillo took this concept to a new level by performing an instrumental version of Death’s “Pull the Plug.” It wasn’t just a nod to the city’s musical roots—it was a statement.

Trujillo and Hammett’s version of “Pull the Plug” wasn’t a mellow homage. They hit the gas and turned the already aggressive death-metal classic into a hypercharged jam. The tempo was faster than the original, and the energy was through the roof. Fans in the crowd were caught off guard—in the best way possible.

Death’s “Pull the Plug” originally thrives on a mid-tempo, churning groove that showcases Chuck Schuldiner’s signature style. But Trujillo and Hammett amped it up, stripping away the drums and vocals to present a lightning-fast interpretation that felt equal parts tribute and challenge. The crowd responded with wild applause.

Even longtime fans of Death were impressed. Terry Butler, a member of the band’s classic lineup, praised the performance. He remarked that seeing Metallica acknowledge Death’s influence in their hometown was more than just cool—it was meaningful. For many in Tampa, it felt like a full-circle moment.

This wasn’t the first time Metallica’s dynamic duo chose to honor a local legend. Throughout their tours, Trujillo and Hammett have made it a point to perform regionally significant songs. These “doodles” have ranged from folk songs in Eastern Europe to national rock hits in South America, and now to death metal in Florida.

What began as a fun side segment has grown into a cultural signature of Metallica’s live experience. Trujillo once shared that the doodles started during rehearsal sessions, evolving into spontaneous mini-tributes performed live. Over time, they’ve become a way to connect deeper with each city on the tour.

At the Tampa show, the doodle began with a brief nod to “Phantom Lord,” one of Metallica’s early thrash anthems, before sliding into the furious riff of “Pull the Plug.” Fans both in the stadium and watching online lit up, recognizing the homage immediately. It was a gift to Florida’s metal heritage.

Online forums exploded with reactions. Reddit users confirmed the songs played, praised the moment, and called it one of the night’s highlights. Several noted that it wasn’t just a performance—it was a lesson in history, reminding everyone of Florida’s contributions to the heavier side of metal.

Many attendees called the June 8 show one of the best concerts they had ever attended. While the entire setlist was packed with Metallica classics, the doodle stood out as a moment of pure spontaneity and respect. It was proof that the band still finds ways to surprise their fans after four decades.

There’s something raw and beautiful about seeing just a guitar and a bass command the attention of tens of thousands. No vocals, no full-band thunder—just two masters of their craft sharing a musical message. It reminded everyone that power can live in simplicity.

Speeding up “Pull the Plug” may have taken purists by surprise, but it also injected new life into the song. It was chaotic, frenetic, and urgent—exactly what you’d expect from Metallica when paying tribute to a genre that helped define extreme metal.

Metallica’s doodles have always had a punk-like spontaneity to them, but they’re also rooted in reverence. They’re less about polish and more about spirit—channeling the raw energy of a place or a moment in history. The Tampa doodle captured that ethos perfectly.

By choosing a Death song, Trujillo and Hammett acknowledged not only a band but an entire movement that originated in Tampa. Death metal isn’t just a genre—it’s part of the city’s identity. Their performance was a respectful bow to that influence.

Trujillo has spoken in past interviews about learning songs phonetically when covering tracks in other languages. This willingness to adapt and dive deep into local culture is what makes the doodles special. The Tampa choice showed the same care and attention to detail.

As the doodle ended and the band kicked into full gear with “Welcome Home (Sanitarium),” the energy from “Pull the Plug” still lingered. It was more than a musical interlude—it was a memory that would stay with fans long after the stadium lights dimmed. Metallica didn’t just play Tampa. They celebrated it.