Metallica have shared a tribute to a fan who died during their concert in Edmonton, Alberta on Friday night. The rock band posted a photo of the fan, known as “Viking,” on their social media pages along with a heartfelt statement in his honor. “Friday night, August 23rd, in Edmonton we lost a Metallica family member at the show,” the band wrote.
“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.
Our condolences to the family and friends of Lorne ‘Viking.’ With Love and Respect, Metallica.” A post shared by Metallica (@metallica) Metallica was performing at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium on Friday when Lorne died mid-show.
One of his friends shared in a fan Facebook group that he “suffered a medical issue and was taken out of the snake pit on a stretcher while EMS did aggressive CPR.” The “Snake Pit” is a VIP area at the front of Metallica’s concerts, which was notably inspired by restaurant chef’s tables. Metallica are currently in the midst of their M72 World Tour in support of their 2023 album, 72 Seasons .
Frontman James Hetfield explained his outlook for the album when the group debuted its first single, “Lux Æterna.” “ 72 seasons — the first 18 years of our lives that form our true or false selves,” he said in a statement. “The concept that we were told ‘who we are’ by our p.