Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett took a literal tumble but kept the show going with his signature humor during the band’s massive concert at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on June 19, 2026. The incident, which happened mid-set, quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the M72 World Tour, with Hammett laughing it off and dubbing it a “Slip Destroy.”
Fan footage circulating online shows Hammett, deep into a high-energy solo section, stepping too close to the edge of the stage and slipping off into the gap below. The 63-year-old guitarist disappeared from view for a few seconds before quickly reappearing, unharmed and grinning. The crowd erupted in a mix of concern and cheers as the band seamlessly continued the song.
Hammett addressed the moment with his usual self-deprecating wit shortly after. “Yeah, I had a little Slip Destroy out there tonight in Dublin,” he posted on social media alongside a clip of the fall. “All good, just a little reminder to watch my step. Thanks for the concern, Metallica family — still standing!” The lighthearted response instantly won over fans, many of whom praised his resilience and showmanship.
This wasn’t the first time a Metallica member has had an on-stage mishap, but Hammett’s quick recovery and humor turned what could have been a worrying incident into a memorable, human moment. The band was in the middle of their massive two-night stand in Dublin as part of the ongoing M72 World Tour, which features a revolutionary in-the-round stage setup and a career-spanning setlist that delights longtime fans and newer listeners alike.
Metallica, consisting of James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo, have been on an absolute tear in 2026, selling out stadiums across Europe. The tour has been praised for its incredible production, pyrotechnics, and the band’s renewed energy following recent years of lineup stability and creative output.
Hammett, often called one of the greatest guitarists of all time and known for iconic riffs on tracks like “Master of Puppets,” “One,” and “Enter Sandman,” has been with Metallica since 1983. His fall comes during a tour that celebrates the band’s enduring legacy while pushing forward with new material and massive live spectacles.
Fortunately, Hammett walked away with nothing more than a bruised ego. The rest of the Dublin show continued without interruption, delivering the high-octane performance fans have come to expect from the metal legends.
