It only took 34 years, but members of Pearl Jam and Metallica intersected on stage together for the first time last night (Dec. 13) at the latter’s annual Helping Hands benefit at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament joined the metal legends for “Hit the Lights,” the penultimate song of the 13-song, two-set performance.
The evening began with an acoustic set of rarities with guest turns from SistaStrings and San Francisco musicians Avi Vinocur and Henry Salvia, including the first “Low Man’s Lyric” since 1998, the first cover of Diamond Head’s “Helpless” since 2018 and the live debut of Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s “Away From Home.”
Before closing the second set with “Master of Puppets,” Metallica also dusted off “The Unforgiven II” for the first time since 2015.
Sammy Hagar opened the show a 10-song roundup of Van Halen, solo, Chickenfoot and Montrose tunes, backed by Van Halen’s Michael Anthony, drummer Kenny Aronoff and guitarist Joe Satriani. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel served as host.
Proceeds from the event benefit Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation, which “aims to assist and enrich the lives of members of the communities who have supported the band for years, as well as encourage participation from fans and friends.” The full show will premiere on YouTube on Dec. 19.
Metallica will tour extensively in 2025, beginning April 19 in Syracuse, N.Y.