Watch Metallica cover Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’ at a recent show.
At Metallica gigs, it’s normal for James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich to take a break while Trujillo and Hammett hold down the fort for a song and jam, generally performing a song relevant to where they’re playing.
Metallica performed at Boston’s Gillette ballpark on Sunday night, which, although not the Red Sox’s home ballpark, was close enough. Anyone who knows the Red Sox knows that the Neil Diamond classic has been a game-day staple for more than two decades, with supporters singing along in the middle of the eighth inning.
Before beginning his performance, Trujillo quipped, “This song is really scary, super heavy, and if you start moshing, try not to injure yourself, because it’s such a scary song, I’m already shaking.”
Trujillo and Hammett then launched into the song, performing a harder rendition of the 1969 smash, with the audience singing, “So good!” So good! The ‘So good!’ sections are perfectly on time.
The performance has received mixed comments online, with many fans not liking the cover.
Personally, I think it’s a lot of fun, and I liked watching it – but if you’re not into it, I’m not going to attempt to yum your yuck.
