Metallica team up with UK Blood Services to save lives

The first ever collaboration between UK blood services and a global rock phenomenon brings blood donation and live music together, encouraging music fans across Wales, England and Scotland to help save lives.

About the partnership

The Welsh Blood Service, England's NHS Blood and Transplant and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, have announced a new collaboration with Metallica and the band’s charity, All Within My Hands, marking the first time blood services across the UK have worked alongside a global rock phenomenon on this scale to promote blood donation.

As part of the final leg of Metallica’s European M72 World Tour before the band heads back to the United States, the band are calling on their fans to come forward and give blood and plasma around the band's UK tour dates:

• Glasgow, Scotland – Hampden Park, Thursday 25 June 2026
• Cardiff, Wales – Principality Stadium, Sunday 28 June 2026
• London, England – London Stadium, Friday 3 July and Sunday 5 July 2026

The need for blood is constant, and with a shelf life of only 35 days, blood services must continually inspire existing donors to return and new donors to come forward.

This collaboration focuses on raising awareness of the vital role donors play in supporting trauma victims, people undergoing cancer treatment, new mothers, and those living with long-term conditions such as sickle cell disease.

By harnessing the reach and cultural power of live music, the campaign aims to spark conversations about blood donation and encourage more people to come forward and take action, reinforcing that the need for lifesaving donations continues well beyond any single event.

Supporting those who rely on donated blood every day is a simple act that can make a powerful difference

Alan Prosser, spokesperson for the Welsh Blood Service, said:

"This is a truly unique moment for blood donation across the UK. Partnering with a band of Metallica's global reach allows us to connect with new audiences and shine a spotlight on the ongoing need for blood.

"Just as metal music runs strongly through Metallica fans' veins – so does the blood which gives the power to save up to 3 lives with every donation.

"Donation is always voluntary and unpaid in the UK, so every person who chooses to give makes a real difference to patients and families in need. We’re proud to be part of a collaboration that brings people together to save lives."

A spokesperson from Metallica said:

"Wherever we go on tour, we want to give something meaningful back to the communities that welcome us. We've seen in the United States and Australia how working with blood services can help raise awareness of blood donation and support patients, and we’re excited to bring that same approach to the UK.

"As we close out the European leg of the M72 World Tour in the UK, we’re asking fans to step up and be part of something bigger than the show.

"Looking out for one another and supporting those who rely on donated blood every day is a simple act that can make a powerful difference."

Metallica's charity, All Within My Hands, supports communities around the world by strengthening local services and responding to critical needs. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to public health, community action, and helping ensure blood is available for patients who depend on it.

Gerry Gogarty, Director of Blood Supply for NHS Blood and Transplant says:

"Metallica are experts at raising the volume – and by calling on their millions of fans around the world to become regular blood donors, they are helping to boost life-saving blood stocks too.

"Every donation can save up to 3 lives, and we urgently need a new generation of donors ready to roll up their sleeves and make it a lifelong habit.

"Right now in England, we particularly need more O negative, B negative and Ro donors but every donation is vital. Together we can save even more lives."

How to get involved

Fans and members of the public are encouraged to book a donation and be part of this UK-wide effort.

Giving blood takes around an hour and a single donation can help save up to 3 lives.