10-Year-Old Guitar Prodigy Rocks “Enter Sandman” Onstage with Foo Fighters
During a Foo Fighters concert in Kansas City, an extraordinary moment unfolded as Dave Grohl spotted a young guitar enthusiast in the crowd. The boy, Collier, only ten years old, was called up on stage to the audience’s roaring approval. When Dave asked if he could play guitar, Collier replied confidently, sparking curiosity and excitement throughout the venue. The entire stadium buzzed as Dave pressed further, eager to see what songs Collier might tackle with the band.
Dave Grohl then asked Collier which songs he could play, and the answer stunned everyone—he said he knew several Metallica tracks. The idea of playing Metallica at a Foo Fighters show immediately sent a ripple of laughter and cheers through the audience, who relished the unexpected crossover. Collier’s enthusiasm was contagious, and Dave’s willingness to let a young fan take center stage perfectly embodied the Foo Fighters’ inclusive, playful spirit.
Without missing a beat, Dave handed over the spotlight, allowing Collier to lead the band into the opening riffs of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” The crowd’s reaction was electric, and Taylor Hawkins, the Foo Fighters’ legendary drummer, wasted no time jumping in on drums. Dave Grohl, always quick with a joke, wondered aloud if he even remembered how to play Metallica songs, keeping the atmosphere light and fun.
As the classic Metallica riff echoed through the arena, Collier played with the poise of someone far beyond his years. Dave joined in on vocals, and Taylor drove the beat forward with his unmistakable power, creating a thrilling, high-energy tribute to one of rock’s most iconic bands. The chemistry between the young guitarist and the Foo Fighters made the moment even more memorable, blending youthful talent with veteran musicianship.
Dave encouraged Collier not just to stick with “Enter Sandman,” but to try his hand at other Metallica classics as well. Collier gamely responded by launching into the opening of “Welcome Home (Sanitarium),” and later attempted the brooding intro of “Wherever I May Roam.” With every riff, the audience grew more impressed, cheering the boy’s fearlessness and skill. The interaction wasn’t just a one-off moment—it became a masterclass in how live music can unite generations.
This event, which took place in 2018, has become particularly poignant for Foo Fighters fans, especially after the heartbreaking loss of Taylor Hawkins in Bogotá, Colombia. Looking back, the performance now holds a deeper significance, serving as a reminder of Hawkins’ vibrant spirit and the band’s commitment to creating lasting memories for their fans.
The video of Collier’s time on stage quickly made waves online. Viewers from around the world flocked to see the unlikely Metallica-Foo Fighters crossover, propelling the video past 11 million views. It stands as a testament to the power of spontaneous moments at live shows—and the magic that happens when artists make space for their youngest fans.
Another memorable example of the band’s willingness to share the spotlight came when Dave invited 11-year-old drummer Nandi Bushell to play their classic hit “Everlong.” The resulting performance became another viral sensation, earning over 12 million views and solidifying the Foo Fighters’ reputation for celebrating young talent.
Dave Grohl’s deep appreciation for Metallica’s music has long been apparent, from his days behind the drum kit in Nirvana to his leadership role in Foo Fighters. In a candid interview with Far Out Magazine, Dave revealed that he’d love to collaborate with Metallica someday, especially if it meant returning to his roots as a drummer—a dream for any rock fan.
“Enter Sandman,” the Metallica track Collier played, is recognized as an enduring anthem in rock history. With more than a billion streams on Spotify, it remains Metallica’s most popular song, driving their self-titled 1991 album to staggering commercial success. That same album—often called “The Black Album”—has achieved 16x Platinum status in the U.S., becoming a cornerstone of heavy metal.
The legacy of that album was felt in Kansas City when Collier played not only “Enter Sandman” but also “Wherever I May Roam,” channeling the same energy and attitude that made the original recordings legendary. Each note paid homage to Metallica’s impact while bringing a fresh excitement to the Foo Fighters’ show, ensuring that the spirit of rock is kept alive for every new generation.
The crowd left the concert buzzing, having witnessed something truly special—an unlikely collaboration that crossed age and band boundaries, turning an ordinary night into a viral moment of joy, inspiration, and pure rock and roll energy.
