Paying Homage to the Greats: Metallica's Live Cover Song History
For Metallica, playing covers on stage has never been a cheap trick. Band members have long showcased their foundational roots through their setlists and attire. Early 1980s interviews captured James Hetfield and Cliff Burton wearing Misfits shirts—with Burton sporting a fiend skull tattoo—while drummer Lars Ulrich frequently praises the artists that defined the band's signature sound.
High-Impact Covers That Shaped Metallica's Setlists
1. "Last Caress" (Originally by Misfits)
Despite not appearing on a setlist in over eight years, "Last Caress" remains Metallica's most-played cover song. First performed during their live debut on March 14, 1982, at Radio City in Anaheim, California, it was later recorded alongside "Green Hell" for The $5.98 E.P. – Garage Days Revisited. The track was last played live on September 2, 2018, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
2. "Am I Evil?" (Originally by Diamond Head)
Diamond Head guitarist Brian Tatler noted that Metallica's continuous support helped introduce the NWOBHM band to a broader audience. Metallica recorded a studio version as a B-side to "Creeping Death" in 1984. First played on March 14, 1982, in Anaheim, the cover made a recent live appearance on June 26, 2024, at Tons of Rock in Oslo, Norway.
3. "Breadfan" (Originally by Budgie)
Budgie co-founder Ray Phillips revealed in 2018 that royalties generated from Metallica covering "Breadfan" had a major impact on his life following difficult times in his career. Metallica first performed the track on October 11, 1988, at the Hammersmith Odeon in London, and played it as recently as May 26, 2024, at Olympiastadion in Munich, Germany.
4. "Whiskey in the Jar" (Traditional / Thin Lizzy)
Inspired heavily by Thin Lizzy's 1972 interpretation, James Hetfield has routinely voiced his deep respect for the late Phil Lynott during live shows. Debuted live on November 17, 1998, at The Warehouse in Toronto, the traditional song remains an ongoing setlist staple, played as recently as July 5, 2026, at London Stadium.
Key Moments and Notable Performances
| Song & Original Artist | First Played | Key Highlight or Detail |
|---|---|---|
| "Overkill" Motörhead | Dec 14, 1995 (Whisky A Go Go) | Closed the Big 4 show at Yankee Stadium on Sept 14, 2011, featuring members of Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax together on stage. |
| "Turn the Page" Bob Seger | Oct 18, 1998 (Playboy Mansion) | Hetfield stated the lyrics connected deeply with the band as touring "road dogs." Performed on the Howard Stern Show on April 12, 2023. |
| "Die, Die My Darling" Misfits | Oct 18, 1998 (Playboy Mansion) | Guitarist Kirk Hammett cited Misfits as a gateway to horror entertainment. Performed at Hartwall Areena in Helsinki on May 9, 2018. |
| "Stone Cold Crazy" Queen | Nov 2, 1991 (Auburn Hills) | Features altered lyrics, transforming Queen's "rubber Tommy water gun" into a "fully-loaded Tommy gun." Last performed May 5, 2018. |
| "Helpless" Diamond Head | March 14, 1982 (Anaheim) | Ulrich befriended Diamond Head after traveling to London in 1981. Most recently played Dec 13, 2024, at YouTube Theater. |
