When the world’s biggest metal band decides to crash a neighborhood bar, the result is pure chaos in the best way possible. On August 28, Metallica stunned fans and celebrities alike with a blistering one-off performance at Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, New York.
The show, staged under a backyard tent that normally hosts just a few hundred people, was part of the launch celebration for the band’s new 24/7 SiriusXM channel, Maximum Metallica. For one night only, the Hamptons became ground zero for riffs, sweat, and star power.
A Small Venue, A Giant Performance
Inside the packed tent, the atmosphere was electric. With the Hamptons sun blazing outside, Metallica powered through 95 minutes and 13 songs—no opening act, no frills, just pure metal energy.
Frontman James Hetfield grinned as he looked around the steaming crowd:
“This reminds us of the club days of course, when we’d get all hot and sweaty. Close and personal. And everyone just having a great time. Super loud. Everyone feels safe, and like they belong.”
It wasn’t the polished stadium spectacle fans have come to expect, but something far rarer: loose, raw, and intimate. Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo circled each other in dueling riffs, while Hetfield and Trujillo climbed onto Lars Ulrich’s drum riser like old friends messing around in rehearsal. From the front row, fans could literally see beads of sweat dripping down the band’s faces—a visceral reminder that Metallica still bleeds for its music.
A Star-Studded Audience
The exclusive event was by invitation only, with access granted through a fan lottery and SiriusXM contests. Inside the tent, superfans found themselves shoulder-to-shoulder with Hollywood royalty and rock legends.
Paul McCartney, Nancy Shevell, Howard Stern, Sylvester Stallone, Michael J. Fox, Chad Smith, Andy Cohen, Colin Jost, and many others were spotted soaking in the surreal energy. Even Metallica’s families joined the crowd, shaking their heads in disbelief at the once-in-a-lifetime vibe.
Playful Tributes and Surprises
The night wasn’t without humor. At one point, Kirk Hammett pointed at Howard Stern in the crowd and joked that the next bit was “Howard’s idea” before breaking into a playful riff of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” with Trujillo.
“Ozzy, we love you, and we miss you,” Hammett added, drawing loud cheers. The tribute carried extra weight—this was Metallica’s first gig since sharing the stage with Osbourne at his Back to the Beginning show earlier this year.
For Metallica, this wasn’t just another gig. It was a reminder of where they came from: sweaty clubs, intimate chaos, and unfiltered connection.
Even with no pyrotechnics or giant production, the sound was colossal, and the bond between band and audience undeniable. Fans walked away knowing they had witnessed something historic: Metallica shrinking their universe into one tent and proving that their power doesn’t come from scale—it comes from heart.
Didn’t Make It? Here’s How to Watch
Fortunately, fans worldwide will get a chance to relive the night.
The full concert will air on Maximum Metallica (SiriusXM Channel 42) starting Monday, September 1 at noon ET, with multiple replays and on-demand access via the SiriusXM app.
It will also broadcast on Howard 101 on Friday, September 5 at 7 pm ET/PT.