Metallica teams up with Irish Blood Services ahead of Aviva Stadium gigs

Metallica have urged fans to give blood before attending their sold-out gigs in Dublin this week.

The band will host blood drives across the European leg of their tour, including gigs at the Aviva Stadium on June 19 and 21.

All Within My Hands, the band's foundation, works to contribute to the local communities they play in on their tour and has called on fans and the wider public to donate blood.

"By rolling up a sleeve to give blood, the Metallica Family can help trauma victims, those facing cancer, new mothers, people living with blood disorders, and so many more," a statement from the foundation said.

"It's a fantastic and unique way for us to get the message to people about how important it is to give blood," said Sharon Ryan of the Irish and Northern Irish Blood Transfusion Services (IBTS).

"Summer can be a challenging time to meet the increasing blood needs of hospitals, and we hope this collaboration with Metallica fans increases everybody's blood flow."

Fans and the wider public are being asked to make an appointment to donate blood during the weeks in and around Metallica’s concerts across Europe.

"Donating blood takes approximately an hour and a half, and each donation has the potential to save up to three lives," the band stated.

Established in 2017, the foundation covers all administrative costs of donations that go directly to the organisations they support.

Their M72 tour includes two dates in the Aviva, each night will feature different setlists and support line-ups. On Friday, Metallica will be supported on stage by Pantera and Avatar, while Gojira and Knocked Loose are the support acts on Sunday.

Information on checking eligibility, finding a clinic or booking a blood donation appointment is available here.