Metallica, The Roots, and Jimmy Fallon Deliver “Enter Sandman” Like You’ve Never Seen Before
Back in 2016, one of late-night television’s most unexpected collaborations took place when Metallica appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Rather than showcasing their typical wall of sound, filled with thunderous riffs and pounding drums, the band joined Jimmy Fallon and The Roots for a stripped-down version of “Enter Sandman.” What made it truly remarkable was the playful twist—they used only classroom instruments and their voices to bring the classic anthem to life.
The scene itself was far removed from Metallica’s usual stadium presence. Instead of massive amplifiers and towering stage setups, thirteen performers squeezed into a cozy space, armed with colorful xylophones, toy drums, and kazoos. The lighthearted atmosphere quickly took over, with James Hetfield grinning as he shared vocal duties with Fallon. The Roots provided rhythm with childlike enthusiasm, and the joy radiating from the group made the performance instantly endearing to viewers everywhere.
What makes the clip so striking is the contrast between the heaviness of “Enter Sandman” and the innocent quality of the instruments being used. The musicians sway back and forth like kids in a music class, smiling as they play. When the arrangement reaches its quieter passage, the entire group leans in close, whispering playfully, only to erupt together with full force in the next line. The result is a mix of humor and warmth that shows how versatile music can be, even when stripped to its simplest form.
This one-off moment proved that heavy metal doesn’t always need to be intimidating or aggressive. Instead, it revealed the fun-loving side of a band that has spent decades defining thrash metal. Viewers who might not usually dive into Metallica’s catalog could still find joy in watching the band poke fun at themselves while clearly having a blast. It highlighted how music, regardless of genre, connects on a human level when the performers are having genuine fun.
To understand why this collaboration felt so unique, it’s important to remember Metallica’s history. Formed in 1981, the band quickly rose to fame as part of the so-called “Big Four” of thrash metal, alongside Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth. Together, these groups turned an underground movement into a worldwide sensation. Songs like Slayer’s “Raining Blood” and Metallica’s own “Master of Puppets” became anthems that influenced countless musicians across generations.
The video of this quirky performance has since become a fan favorite, not just for metalheads but for anyone who appreciates a playful twist on a classic. Watching James Hetfield strum a toy guitar and Lars Ulrich tap away on tiny percussion instruments creates a surreal image, yet one that’s filled with charm. It’s a reminder that even the biggest acts in rock can step down from their thrones to simply enjoy the music in a carefree setting.
The Tonight Show itself has a reputation for bringing together unusual pairings, but this segment set a new bar. Jimmy Fallon’s enthusiasm was obvious, as he not only led the performance but actively sang along with Hetfield. The Roots, who have long been celebrated for their inventive approach to hip-hop and their role as Fallon’s house band, adapted seamlessly to the playful setting, showing once again why they are regarded as pioneers of live hip-hop performance.
The Roots’ background makes their role in the performance even more interesting. Founded in 1986, the group carved out their identity by blending hip-hop with live instrumentation, drawing from soul, funk, and jazz influences. Their versatility has allowed them to collaborate with artists across nearly every genre. By the time they joined Fallon on late-night television, they had already built a reputation as both innovators and entertainers, making them the perfect partners for Metallica in this unusual jam session.
As for Metallica, their career achievements remain staggering. Since their debut, they have released eleven studio albums, with their most recent record, “72 Seasons,” arriving in 2023. Each new project reinforces their ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining the aggressive energy that made them global icons. The fact that a band of such stature was willing to poke fun at themselves with toy instruments only added another memorable chapter to their already legendary story.
Looking back, the classroom instrument rendition of “Enter Sandman” stands as a cultural moment that bridged generations and genres. For older fans, it was a chance to see their favorite band let loose. For younger viewers, it introduced them to a group whose influence spans decades. In a world where music often feels divided by categories, this lighthearted experiment showed that joy, humor, and creativity are universal—and that even the heaviest of bands can remind us to never lose our sense of play.
