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10-Year-Old Guitar Prodigy Shreds “Enter Sandman” Live with Foo Fighters

At a Foo Fighters concert in Kansas City, a standout moment unfolded when Dave Grohl noticed a young guitarist in the crowd. Ten-year-old Collier was invited to the stage, greeted by roaring cheers. When asked if he played guitar, Collier answered with confident ease, instantly sparking curiosity and excitement. The entire stadium buzzed as Dave probed further, eager to learn what songs the young musician could play with the band.

When Collier revealed he knew several Metallica songs, the crowd erupted with laughter and cheers at the idea of hearing Metallica riffs at a Foo Fighters show. Collier’s energy was infectious, and Dave’s openness to handing over the spotlight perfectly captured the band’s inclusive, playful spirit.

Without hesitation, Dave gave Collier center stage. The boy tore into the opening of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” with precision, drawing an electrified reaction from the crowd. Taylor Hawkins jumped in on drums, while Dave—ever the entertainer—joked about whether he even remembered how to play Metallica songs, keeping the vibe light and fun.

As the iconic riff rang through the arena, Collier played with the confidence of a seasoned pro. Dave added vocals, and Taylor’s thunderous drumming drove the song forward. Together, they created a high-energy tribute to one of rock’s most legendary bands, fusing youthful passion with veteran skill.

Dave encouraged Collier to keep going, prompting him to launch into the haunting intro of “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” and later the groove of “Wherever I May Roam.” With each riff, the crowd’s admiration grew, cheering his talent and boldness. The moment evolved from a spontaneous jam into a powerful example of how live music can bridge generations.

The performance, which took place in 2018, has since taken on deeper meaning for Foo Fighters fans, particularly after the loss of Taylor Hawkins in Bogotá, Colombia. Looking back, it serves as a bittersweet reminder of Hawkins’ vitality and the band’s dedication to creating unforgettable experiences for their audience.

The footage quickly spread online, with millions worldwide watching the unexpected Foo Fighters–Metallica crossover. Surpassing 11 million views, it proved the enduring magic of live music and the special connection artists form when they invite their youngest fans into the spotlight.

This wasn’t the first time the band showcased young talent. Another viral moment came when Dave invited 11-year-old drumming prodigy Nandi Bushell to perform “Everlong” with them. That performance amassed over 12 million views, reinforcing the Foo Fighters’ reputation for championing the next generation of musicians.

Dave’s love for Metallica’s music runs deep, tracing back to his Nirvana days and continuing into his leadership with Foo Fighters. In an interview with Far Out Magazine, he even admitted he’d love to collaborate with Metallica, ideally stepping back behind the drum kit—a dream scenario for rock fans everywhere.

“Enter Sandman,” the Metallica classic Collier played first, remains a towering anthem in rock history. With over a billion streams on Spotify, it stands as the band’s most famous track, powering their 1991 self-titled “Black Album” to massive commercial success and earning 16x Platinum certification in the U.S.

The Kansas City crowd felt that legacy firsthand when Collier not only ripped through “Enter Sandman” but also nailed “Wherever I May Roam,” channeling the same intensity that made those songs iconic. His performance honored Metallica’s influence while injecting new energy into the Foo Fighters’ set.

Each note Collier played carried the spirit of rock’s past and the promise of its future. The crowd roared not just for the music, but for the symbolic passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

By the end of the night, the audience knew they had witnessed more than a concert—they had seen an extraordinary collaboration that transcended age and band lines.

The viral clip remains a go-to example of why live shows matter: unscripted moments, shared joy, and the thrill of music uniting people who might never otherwise meet.

As the Foo Fighters left the stage that night, the echoes of Metallica riffs and the cheers of nearly 20,000 fans lingered in the air—a reminder that in the right hands, rock and roll is truly timeless.

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