Red Cross and Metallica Launch an Immersive Blood Donation Experience

Fans can give blood, explore a backstage-inspired experience and score limited-edition Metallica merchandise

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the lifesaving success of the collaboration that kicked off last year, the American Red Cross and Metallica are once again joining forces to help patients in need with an all-new, exclusive experience for blood donors.

Beginning Sept. 28, fans can give blood at the Red Cross x Metallica Blood Donation Experience, sponsored by Delta Air Lines, at Fashion Show Las Vegas on the Las Vegas Strip. The experience will be open through March 19, 2027, giving fans an opportunity to give blood during the band's residency in Vegas.

The immersive pop-up brings fans a backstage-inspired experience with the ability to sit behind a replica drum set similar to one used by Metallica founding member Lars Ulrich. Additionally, all those who come to give will receive a limited-edition T-shirt designed by Squindo, while supplies last, and will be automatically entered for a chance to win the same replica drum kit, built by TAMA and similar to one specially made for Ulrich for Metallica's WorldWired Tour. Full terms and conditions can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Metallica.

Donors will also have the chance to enjoy refreshments post-donation at the Delta Backstage Lounge, courtesy of Delta Air Lines. As a longtime blood partner of the American Red Cross, Delta is providing the support that gives donors the chance to take part in this unique experience.

But behind the music and unforgettable fan experience is a powerful reminder of why blood donation matters.

In 2021, Jamilah Bourdon was hit by a truck while riding her bike. She woke up in the hospital with life-altering injuries, including the loss of her right leg, and a long road to recovery ahead. During more than two months in the hospital, Jamilah underwent 13 surgeries and received five blood transfusions.

During that time, she found strength in an unexpected place: Metallica's music. "I didn't have access to music for the first month, so I replayed 'One' in my head," Jamilah said. "Metallica for me is a very spiritual band and a significant part of my healing."

"Jamilah's story is a powerful reminder that behind every blood donation is a person whose life may depend on it," said Darren Irby, executive director of National Partnerships, American Red Cross. "What makes this partnership with Metallica so special is its ability to turn the passion their fans have for their music into lifesaving action. Together, we're giving fans a memorable way to show up for patients who need them."

The Lifesaving Power of the Metallica Family

The experience builds on a lifesaving partnership between the Red Cross, Metallica and the band's foundation, All Within My Hands, that has mobilized thousands of members of the Metallica Family to roll up their sleeves and give blood. Since the collaboration launched in April 2025, fans have contributed more than 25,000 blood donations across the United States and about 93,000 donations worldwide.

Join the band and help save lives. Make an appointment to give blood at the Red Cross x Metallica Blood Donation Experience by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/Metallica, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

About Metallica
Formed in 1981 by vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich and including guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo, Metallica has become one of the most influential and successful rock bands in history, selling nearly 125 million albums worldwide and generating more than 25 billion streams while playing to millions of fans on all seven continents—more than 1.3 million of whom belong to the band's fiercely loyal and consistently growing Fifth Member fan club. Metallica's catalog of multi-platinum studio albums includes Kill 'Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, …And Justice for All, Metallica(commonly referred to as The Black Album), Load, ReLoad, St. Anger, Death Magnetic, Hardwired…To Self-Destruct, and most recently, the Grammy-winning 72 Seasons, released April 14, 2023, on the band's own Blackened Recordings label. Metallica's awards and accolades include nine Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, multiple MTV Video Music Awards, a 2009 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and Sweden's Polar Music Prize. In 2017, Metallica established its own charitable foundation, All Within My Hands, to give back to communities that have supported the band. To date, All Within My Hands' collective efforts have raised over $29M to support its mission, and provided grants of $15.3M to career and technical education programs through its Metallica Scholars Initiative, $8.4M to combat food insecurity, and $5.6M to disaster relief and other critical local services worldwide. Visit AllWithinMyHands.org to learn more.

About Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines connects people to more than 300 destinations across six continents, with 100,000 Delta people making those connections possible every day. But some of our greatest journeys start at home. 

The American Red Cross is Delta's longest-standing nonprofit partner, a relationship that began in 1941, when Delta employees hosted the airline's first blood drives during World War II and flew donated blood aboard Delta aircraft to support wartime medical efforts. That spirit of service endures today: Delta is the largest corporate blood drive sponsor in the U.S., powered by employees, retirees, and communities across the country. Delta is also an Annual Disaster Giving Program participant at the $1 million level and a national sponsor of the Sound the Alarm campaign, helping the Red Cross prepare communities before disaster strikes, respond at a moment's notice, and deliver lifesaving units of blood. To learn more, visit delta.com/community.

SOURCE American Red Cross