Metallica is mourning the loss of a dedicated fan who passed away during their concert in Edmonton, Canada, on Aug. 23.
The band took to social media on Aug. 28 to share a heartfelt tribute, remembering the fan, affectionately known as “Viking,” and expressing their sorrow over his passing.
In their post, Metallica wrote: “Friday night, August 23rd, in Edmonton, we lost a Metallica family member at the show. He died due to health conditions. Leaving the earthly body and onto the next adventure. Very sad when death happens, but we’re touched that he spent some of his final, hopefully joyful, time with us.”
They continued, “Our condolences to the family and friends of Lorne ‘Viking.’ With Love and Respect, Metallica.”
A friend of Lorne’s shared more about the tragic event in a Metallica fan group on Facebook, describing how he was taken from the Snake Pit area on a stretcher and received urgent medical care. The friend remembered Lorne as “the kindest soul” and added, “We all called him Viking. He will be missed terribly! Please crank up a Metallica song, and raise a glass for the Viking.”
Metallica is currently in the midst of their M72 World Tour, which supports their 2023 album, 72 Seasons. The tour, featuring back-to-back performances in each city, includes opening acts like Mammoth WVH, Pantera, Ice Nine Kills, and Five Finger Death Punch. The band’s next performances are set for Aug. 28 and Sept. 1 in Seattle, Washington.
Metallica’s career has been marked by consistent success on the Billboard charts, with their latest album, 72 Seasons, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, their seventh leader.
The band has also made a lasting impact on the Billboard Hot 100 with iconic tracks like “Enter Sandman” and “Nothing Else Matters,” and were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.