Metallica never do the expected.

In 2018, they put together their first-ever Helping Hands benefit show to raise money and awareness for their philanthropic foundation, All Within My Hands. The show was completely acoustic and took place at The Masonic in San Francisco. It featured their debut performance of the newly-arranged version of "Disposable Heroes," and a few months after the show, they released it as a double-LP, pressed on marbled blue vinyl; today, that album has become a hard-to-find collector's item, typically selling for more than $100 on Discogs.

In 2020—during the height of the pandemic when there were still many unknowns ahead and no vaccines yet available—Metallica announced their second Helping Hands gig. This time, it was livestreamed from Metallica HQ in San Rafael and not only featured a fully-acoustic set, but an additional electric set, too. Among many cool highlights, they performed "Creeping Death" acoustically and performed the acoustic arrangement of "Disposable Heroes" electrically. It was definitely a night to remember.

And on Dec. 16, 2022, Metallica gave their fans another night to remember with their third Helping Hands show—this time at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles—which is now available to stream and download from LiveMetallica.com and nugs.net. Fans can also pre-order the physical copy of the show as a two-CD set here.

All Within My Hands 2022
LiveMetallica.com, Blackened Recordings
loading...

Like their 2020 Helping Hands show, the 2022 edition featured an acoustic set followed by a fully plugged-in, electric and heavy set, as well. In the first set, Metallica played five songs, three of which were covers: two Thin Lizzy tunes and UFO's "It's Killing Me," marking the band's first time covering UFO in front of a live audience.

When they came back to the stage for round two, they opened with a crushing performance of "The Call of Ktulu" and followed it with eight more songs, including the live debut of "Lux Æterna."

This concert marked Metallica's final show of 2022 and as of right now, it is their last show before the M72 tour kicks off in support of their next studio album, 72 Seasons.

94.5 KATS logo
Get our free mobile app

72 Seasons is set for release on April 14, 2023, and their first M72 stop is scheduled for April 27 and April 29 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.

Check Out Photos From Metallica's 2022 Helping Hands Show in Los Angeles

Metallica 2022 'The Helping Hands' Concert

Metallica debuted new UFO and Thin Lizzy covers at their third annual 'The Helping Hands' show.

11 Amazing Metallica Concert Posters From 2022

Even before Metallica announced plans for their 12th studio album, 72 Seasons, 2022 was shaping up to be one of the most memorable years in the band's career.

They put together a massive run of shows across South America, pulled out some live rarities in Europe and tore through the states with big appearances in cities like Chicago and Boston. Most notably, they created an unforgettable live experience for fans with an old-school show in honor of Jonny and Marsha Zazula, Metallica's first-ever managers and co-founders of Megaforce Records. And they will close out the year with an acoustic performance at The Helping Hands Concert in support of Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation.

As Metallica have done for decades, each live experience in '22 wasn't just about the music, but also about the unforgettable show posters tied to each concert. While we prepare ourselves for Metallica's huge M72 tour in 2023 and 2024, let's take a moment to look back at some of our favorite Metallica concert posters from 2022.

More From 94.5 KATS