How Metallica Saved Tomorrowland

Metallica stepped in as unexpected saviors for this year’s Tomorrowland festival after a fire destroyed the main stage just days before opening. The metal legends provided key stage components from their European tour setup, allowing the Belgian electronic music festival to go ahead as scheduled.

The fire, which broke out on Wednesday, left the future of the 10-day event—running July 18 to 27 in Boom, Belgium—in serious doubt. With over 400,000 attendees expected, organizers scrambled for a solution.

Metallica Steps In to Help

According to Belgian outlet The Latest News, Metallica offered up elements of their M72 tour stage, including a towering wall of LED screens that had been stored in Austria. The equipment was airlifted to the festival grounds overnight, enabling Tomorrowland to open its gates on time Friday afternoon.

Tomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen called the recovery effort “a miracle,” telling DJ Mag, “We are beyond happy to be opening. Two hours ago we were still demolishing the old stage.”

Artists and Fans Show Gratitude

Headlining DJ Martin Garrix expressed his amazement and gratitude in an Instagram post featuring Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich. “I can not believe I’m actually typing this… but my set at Tomorrowland is still happening!” he wrote. “Massive love and a big shoutout to the incredible Tomorrowland team for pulling off miracles — and to Metallica for coming through with the new stage parts. This will hands down be the most unique Tomorrowland ever.”

Metallica’s world tour continues in November with dates in Australia, and they’re set to return to Europe in May 2026.