It was a moment that sent shivers down the spines of metalheads and music lovers alike - Metallica's electric performance at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Friday, June 28, saw them defy convention by tackling Tom Jones's timeless classic 'Delilah'. Part of their signature 'Kirk and Rob Doodle' segment, where guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo trade riffs in a joyous celebration of local musical heroes, this particular rendition carried extra weight given the song's fraught history at the venue.
In 2023, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) made headlines by banning 'Delilah' from being sung by choirs during Wales international matches held at the Principality Stadium. The WRU cited the song's lyrics as the reason for the ban, deeming them "problematic and upsetting to some supporters because of their subject matter". They condemned domestic violence in all its forms, sparking a heated debate about artistic freedom versus cultural sensitivity.
Tom Jones himself fired back at the ban during a concert at Cardiff Castle last July, declaring: "You can't stop us singing 'Delilah'." He rallied his fans, saying, "They may stop the choir from singing it, but they haven't stopped the crowd. Keep on singing it – and I’ll keep on singing it too!" Metallica's decision to play the track at Principality Stadium can be seen as a nod to this ongoing cultural debate and a tribute to one of Wales' most famous musical exports, despite the official stance of the venue's primary tenant.
This isn't the first time Metallica have paid homage to local heroes in their live shows. Previous 'Kirk and Rob Doodle' segments have seen them tackle Rammstein's 'Sonne' in Berlin, ABBA's 'Dancing Queen' in Sweden, a-ha's 'Take On Me' in Norway, The Pogues' 'Dirty Old Town' in Dublin, and The Proclaimers' 'I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)' in Glasgow. Their UK leg of the 'M72' world tour concludes with two nights at London Stadium on July 3 and 5.
This electrifying performance highlights the enduring popularity of 'Delilah' among some audiences, even as its lyrical content continues to be a source of contention for others. Metallica's act adds another layer to the discussion surrounding the song's place in Welsh culture and sporting events, particularly within a venue where it has been formally restricted. The incident underscores the power of live music to engage with and sometimes challenge local cultural sensitivities.
Source: NME