Metallica’s M72 Tour Rocks Cardiff with Controversial Cover

On Sunday, Metallica brought their highly anticipated M72 World Tour to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, delivering an electrifying 16-song set. Among the highlights was an unexpected cover of a 1960s classic that has recently become a topic of contention at the venue.

The Controversial Cover: “Delilah”

The song that raised eyebrows was none other than Tom Jones’ “Delilah,” originally released in 1968 as the title track of his sixth album, which topped the charts. During the concert, Metallica’s guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo took the stage to perform this local favorite as part of their nightly “doodle,” a segment where they cover songs by artists significant to the region they are playing in. Trujillo led the audience in a spirited singalong, creating a memorable moment for fans.

A Banned Song

What makes this performance particularly notable is that Metallica managed to sidestep a ban on “Delilah” that has been in place at Principality Stadium since 2023. The ban was instituted following growing criticism of the song’s troubling narrative.

Why Was “Delilah” Banned?

The lyrics of “Delilah” tell a dark tale of a man who kills his wife upon discovering her infidelity. For many years, the song was an unofficial anthem for Welsh rugby, often played at matches and even performed by Tom Jones himself. However, as societal views shifted, the song’s violent themes became increasingly problematic.

In 2015, Principality Stadium removed “Delilah” from its halftime playlist, and by 2023, choirs were prohibited from performing the song at the venue. A spokesperson for the stadium acknowledged the controversy surrounding the song, stating, “We have previously sought advice from subject matter experts on the issue of censoring the song and are respectfully aware that it is problematic and upsetting to some supporters because of its subject matter.”

Tom Jones’ Reaction

Tom Jones expressed his discontent with the ban during a concert at Cardiff Castle in 2023, passionately declaring, “You can’t stop us singing ‘Delilah.'” He questioned the decision by asking the audience, “Can you imagine… Who was the man who didn’t want us to sing ‘Delilah’?” He further emphasized that while choirs may be silenced, the crowd would continue to sing the song.

Conclusion

Metallica’s bold choice to cover “Delilah” amidst the ban not only showcased their ability to engage with local culture but also sparked conversations about censorship and artistic expression. As the band continues their M72 World Tour, fans are sure to remember this unforgettable night in Cardiff, where rock ‘n’ roll met controversy in a truly unique way.

FAQs

Why is “Delilah” banned at Principality Stadium?

The song’s lyrics depict a violent narrative involving murder, which led to criticism and the eventual ban due to its troubling themes.

Who performed “Delilah” during Metallica’s concert?

Metallica’s bassist Robert Trujillo and guitarist Kirk Hammett performed the song as part of their nightly “doodle” segment.

What year did the ban on “Delilah” go into effect?

The ban on “Delilah” at Principality Stadium was instituted in 2023.

How did the audience react to the performance of “Delilah”?

The audience participated enthusiastically, with Trujillo leading them in a singalong, creating a memorable moment during the concert.

What is Metallica’s M72 World Tour?

The M72 World Tour is a global concert tour by Metallica, featuring a diverse setlist and unique performances in each city, including regional covers.