Garrix Thanks Metallica for Making His Tomorrowland Set Possible
Martin Garrix has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Metallica after the legendary rock band unexpectedly played a key role in saving Tomorrowland 2025.The Dutch DJ and producer posted on Instagram after performing on the festival’s newly rebuilt main stage, which was constructed using parts from Metallica’s touring setup.
“I can not believe I’m actually typing this… but my set at Tomorrowland is still happening!” Garrix wrote, alongside a backstage photo with Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich. “Massive love and a big shoutout to the incredible Tomorrowland team for pulling off miracles — and to Metallica for coming through with the new stage parts…”
A Festival in Crisis Just 48 Hours Before Opening
The crisis began when a fire broke out on Wednesday, July 16—just two days before Tomorrowland was set to welcome more than 70,000 attendees in Boom, Belgium. The blaze destroyed the iconic main stage, leaving organizers and fans unsure whether the event could still go ahead.Despite the setback, the Tomorrowland team launched an all-night reconstruction effort. On July 18, they announced they were “working day and night, with heart and soul, to turn the impossible into reality.”
Metallica’s Touring Rig Airlifted to Save the Show
According to Belgian outlet HLN, parts of Metallica’s massive ‘WorldWired’ tour rig—stored in Austria following the band’s European shows—were urgently flown to Belgium overnight.The gear was repurposed to build an alternative version of the beloved main stage, just in time for the gates to open. Garrix’s performance was one of the first to take place on the emergency-built structure.
A Legendary Save for an Iconic Festival
Thanks to quick thinking, logistical precision, and an unexpected alliance between dance and rock music, Tomorrowland opened on time and is now making headlines for more than just its lineup.Martin Garrix’s gratitude sums up what many fans and organizers are feeling: sometimes, even a festival built on beats and bass needs a little metal to survive.
