Metallica blood donation giveaway starts as hot weather hits blood stocks
Metallica are teaming up with NHS Blood and Transplant to call on fans across England to book a blood donation and help save lives, as the band continues the UK leg of their worldwide M72 tour.
Blood stocks have dropped due to recent hot weather, so donors are being urged to come forward and fill available appointments over the coming days and weeks as we head into the summer. There is a particular need to boost stocks of O negative, B negative and Ro subtype.
As Metallica prepare for their UK tour dates — including London (on the 3 and 5 July) - this first of its kind collaboration between UK blood services and a global rock phenomenon brings together live music and lifesaving action, encouraging fans across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland to come forward and give blood, plasma or platelets.
Donate for a chance to get limited time items
To help raise awareness of blood donation, Metallica's charity has donated a limited number of items for blood donors. From Friday 26 June to Friday 3 July 2026, people who attend a booked donation appointment across England during this period may receive one of the following items, while stocks last:
- T-shirts at donor centres
- Guitar picks at mobile donation sessions
These items have been given to the NHS Blood and Transplant Charity by Metallica and their charity, All Within My Hands, to help raise awareness and highlight the importance of blood donation. Availability is limited and cannot be guaranteed, so book your appointment as soon as possible to be in with the best possible chance.
The need for blood is constant. With a shelf life of just 35 days, NHS Blood and Transplant must continuously welcome new donors and inspire existing donors to return. In England alone, over 5,000 donations are needed every day to support trauma patients, people undergoing cancer treatment, mums and babies during childbirth, and those living with long term conditions such as sickle cell disease.
Mark Chambers, Director of Donor Experience for NHS Blood and Transplant, says:
"Metallica's global reach gives us an incredible opportunity to connect with new audiences right across the country. Every donation can save up to 3 lives, and we urgently need more people to book appointments and become regular donors. Right now, we particularly need more O negative, B negative and Ro donors — but every blood type is vital. We’re asking fans to roll up their sleeves and be part of something bigger than the show."
A spokesperson for Metallica, says:
"Wherever we go on tour, we want to give something meaningful back to the communities that welcome us. We've seen how working with blood services around the world can raise awareness and support patients, and we’re excited to bring that same energy to the UK. As we close out the European leg of the M72 World Tour, we're asking fans to step up and support those who rely on donated blood every day."
How you can help
Giving blood takes around an hour, and a single donation can help save up to 3 lives. Whether you're heading to one of Metallica’s UK shows or simply inspired by the campaign, now is the perfect time to make a real difference.
Use our website or the NHS Give Blood app to register and book an appointment today.