Metallica and Red Cross Collect 40,000 Blood Donations

Global Campaign and M72 Tour Integration

Nearly a year after initially joining forces, the American Red Cross shared the lifesaving results of its collaboration with METALLICA and the band's foundation, All Within My Hands. Since the initiative first launched in April 2025, the Red Cross x Metallica collaboration has collected more than 25,000 blood donations across the United States. The movement subsequently expanded on a global scale, with the band actively encouraging blood donation at overseas stops along their "M72" world tour. This international push resulted in a total of about 40,000 blood donations collected worldwide, as thousands of fans rolled up their sleeves to support patients requiring critical care.

Engaging Generation Z and First-Time Donors

A significant outcome of the partnership was its ability to welcome a new generation of blood donors. According to the organization, 16% of the campaign's participants were first-time blood donors. Furthermore, nearly half of those new donors fell between the ages of 16–24. This specific surge in youth participation aligns with a broader year-over-year increase in Generation Z blood donors, emphasizing this demographic's willingness to engage in simple acts of service.

"What METALLICA and their fans have accomplished this year is truly monumental ─ inspiring people to give blood for the first time while also energizing teens and young adults about the donation process. There is no substitute for blood ─ volunteer blood donors are the only source, and the Red Cross is deeply grateful for the significant impact this partnership has made for those facing cancer treatment, surgeries and traumatic situations."

— Darren Irby

Exclusive Rewards and Nationwide Expansion

The campaign originally launched with blood drives located at select stops during the United States leg of the "M72" tour before quickly expanding into a nationwide effort, giving fans across the country a chance to participate. To incentivize participation, individuals who registered and donated blood or platelets at any Red Cross blood drive between July 29, 2025, and February 28, 2026, received a limited-edition T-shirt while supplies lasted. Additionally, these donors were entered into a sweepstakes to win a one-of-a-kind ESP Snakebyte guitar. The instrument featured an exclusive Red Cross x Metallica design created by Squindo and was personally autographed by all members of the band.

"A hallmark mission of the All Within My Hands Foundation is to support critical care and communities, encouraging fans and friends to take action. We're thrilled the METALLICA family recognizes the importance of blood donation and didn't hesitate to rally behind this lifesaving effort. Their enthusiasm has made a real difference, and we're honored to stand alongside them."

— Lars Ulrich

Donation Guidelines and the Red Cross Mission

The American Red Cross, a nonprofit organization that supplies approximately 40% of the nation's blood, relies heavily on volunteers and public generosity to deliver its mission. Beyond blood collection, the organization shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to disaster victims, distributes international humanitarian aid, teaches skills that save lives, and supports military members, veterans, and their families.

To participate and ensure a reliable supply for patients of all blood types, prospective donors can schedule appointments by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. At check-in, a blood donor card, driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required.

General eligibility requires donors to be in generally good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at least 17 years of age in most states, though 16-year-olds may donate with parental consent where state law permits. High school students and other donors aged 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements. To save time at their next donation, blood and platelet donors can utilize RapidPass® via the Blood Donor App or RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete their health history questionnaire and pre-donation reading online on the day of their appointment, before arriving at the blood drive.