Metallica's Kirk Hammett screws up Nothing Else Matters

It's always pretty awkward when a musician drops a clanger on stage. But we all have off moments, and even the most experienced of musicians are not immune to making silly mistakes. That is exactly what happened this weekend, when Metallica appeared at a festival and guitarist Kirk Hammett let his fingers – and attention span – get the better of him by botching the introduction to Nothing Else Matters.

This 'noteworthy' incident took place during Metallica's performance at Boston Calling festival in Allston, Massachusetts on Sunday, May 29.

After noodling around the guitar chords for Boston's More Than A Feeling, Hammett smoothly transitions into the opening notes for Metallica's Black Album power ballad Nothing Else Matters. Not before too long though, and the guitarist completely messes up. Instead of carrying on – as really, it wasn't the sort of mistake you could easily come back from – Hammett playfully falls to the floor, rolls around a bit and then apologises.

Speaking to the audience, he says: "Sorry, guys. You're so kickass. I got distracted by how kickass you are," before restarting the song and executing it properly.

The night saw Metallica play a medley of hits including Ride The Lightning, The Memory Remains, One, Sad But True, and more.

Check out footage of the moment below:

Metallica will return to the road next month, kicking off a series of European shows with a headline performance at Denmark's Copenhell festival in Lars Ulrich's beloved Copenhagen on June 15.

Liz manages Louder's social media channels and works on keeping the sites up to date with the latest news from the world of rock and metal. Prior to joining Louder as a full time staff writer, she completed a Diploma with the National Council for the Training of Journalists and received a First Class Honours Degree in Popular Music Journalism. She enjoys writing about anything from neo-glam rock to stoner, doom and progressive metal, and loves celebrating women in music.