Foo Fighters Share Stage with a Young Fan for a Metallica “Enter Sandman” Rendition
At a Foo Fighters show in Kansas City, lead vocalist Dave Grohl created a truly unforgettable moment by inviting a young prodigy to share the spotlight. Ten-year-old Collier was handed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” live on stage. With Grohl commanding the vocals and the late Taylor Hawkins driving the drums, the collaboration became an electrifying tribute to rock’s enduring spirit.
What unfolded that night was more than just a performance—it was a passing of the torch. Collier confidently strummed the heavy, iconic riff of “Enter Sandman,” standing shoulder to shoulder with two of rock’s most recognizable figures. The crowd roared, embracing the unexpected blend of youthful energy and seasoned stage presence, creating a memory that would go on to inspire millions around the globe.
But Grohl wasn’t done. True to his reputation for nurturing rising talent, he encouraged Collier to take things further. With a grin and a few playful nudges, he prompted the young guitarist to launch into the intros of other Metallica staples, including “Welcome Home Sanitarium” and “Wherever I May Roam.” It was a spontaneous masterclass in metal—delivered from one generation to the next, right before the crowd’s eyes.
What makes this moment even more poignant is its place in time. This performance from 2018 has taken on greater emotional weight in the years since, especially after the tragic loss of drummer Taylor Hawkins in Bogotá, Colombia. For fans of the Foo Fighters, that night in Kansas City now lives on not only as a display of musical excellence but as a tribute to Hawkins’ enduring legacy.
The video of Collier’s electrifying performance struck a chord with fans far beyond the stadium, quickly racking up over 11 million views online. It became another entry in the Foo Fighters’ growing tradition of welcoming young musicians into their orbit. This tradition was seen again when 11-year-old drummer Nandi Bushell joined the band on stage to perform “Everlong,” a moment that earned more than 12 million views and global admiration.
Moments like these highlight Grohl’s enduring commitment to keeping rock music accessible and alive for younger audiences. His musical journey, which began as the powerhouse drummer for Nirvana before becoming the frontman of the Foo Fighters, has been steeped in admiration for heavy metal icons like Metallica. In an interview with Far Out Magazine, Grohl revealed his lifelong dream of jamming with Metallica, underscoring that at his core, he still sees himself first and foremost as a drummer.
Few songs capture the spirit of rock better than “Enter Sandman.” Its bone-rattling riff and thunderous energy have made it a staple at concerts and a fan-favorite around the world. The song holds the distinction of being Metallica’s most streamed track, with over a billion plays on Spotify. It’s also one of the defining songs of the band’s 1991 self-titled album, which has earned 16x Platinum certification in the U.S.
Collier’s unexpected performance of “Wherever I May Roam,” another standout from that same iconic album, further connected him to the legacy of one of rock’s most enduring records. Watching a ten-year-old breathe life into these legendary riffs served as a reminder that the heart of metal still beats strong in new generations of fans and musicians alike.
From Kansas City to millions of screens across the globe, this spontaneous collaboration became more than a feel-good moment—it became a symbol of music’s ability to unite generations. Dave Grohl’s openness, Taylor Hawkins’ powerful drumming, and Collier’s fearlessness combined to create something that lives far beyond the final note. It’s a testament to how rock’s greatest legacy may lie not in its past, but in the young hands picking up guitars today.
As long as artists like Grohl continue to embrace young talents, and moments like this are shared with the world, the future of rock and roll remains as loud, proud, and limitless as ever. What started as a dream for one young boy became a gift to all who believe in the power of music to lift, inspire, and carry legacies forward.
