In the annals of music history, Metallica stands as one of the premier rock bands. Can one even utter their name without instinctively saluting in the spirit of heavy metal? I think not. The group comprising James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich, and Robert Trujillo are poised to deliver electrifying performances across Europe this summer, supported by newly customized trucks powered by battery-electric and hydrogen technologies.
The task of transporting Metallica’s equipment during the tour falls upon the shoulders of Italian truck manufacturer Iveco. Their journey commences in Munich, Germany, spanning 14 shows across the continent with stops in Helsinki, Copenhagen, Warsaw, and Madrid, lugging a convoy of electric instruments including guitars, drums, microphones, and amplifiers.
For this particular tour, Iveco has crafted custom heavy-duty trucks, namely the S-eWay and S-Way Metallica Special Edition models, running on electric and hydrogen power. Adorned in a sleek black matte finish with vibrant electric yellow accents inspired by the band’s 72 Seasons album, these trucks exude a menacing aura in imagery and are guaranteed to stand out on the road.
Brett Murray/Metallica
According to Jalopnik, Iveco’s latest hydrogen-powered fuel-cell EVs offer a range of up to 800 kilometers, nearly 500 miles, before necessitating a refuel. Meanwhile, the S-eWay trucks boast a range of up to 500 kilometers (311 miles), with the S-Way LNG variant capable of covering an estimated distance of 1,600 kilometers (994 miles). Metallica will also utilize all-electric minibus shuttles by Iveco at their concert venues.
Environmental consciousness is not a novel concept for Metallica. Among their myriad initiatives, the band’s performance in Antarctica last year stands out, powered by generators that ran on a sustainable jet fuel blend.
Iveco
According to Metal Injection, the concert in Antarctica was conducted within a transparent dome, offering a distinctive acoustic setting while safeguarding the pristine surroundings. Drummer Ulrich recounted the experience of the memorable gig to Conan O’Brien.
Ulrich recounted, “As per the agreement, we were prohibited from disturbing the environment; the penguins and other extraordinary wildlife in that region. Consequently, only the echoes of acoustic drums and James’s vocals reverberated within the tent.”
The band will initiate their U.S. tour anew in August. Renowned for their electrifying live performances, Metallica is a must-see act. Meanwhile, queue up “For Whom the Bell Tolls” on Spotify (my personal favorite) and let the fist-pumping begin.
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