The Helping Hands Concert & Auction held at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood on Friday night, was a truly unique benefit show infused with musical brilliance and heartfelt generosity. This year’s event, MC’d by none other than Jimmy Kimmel, honored two incredible charitable organizations—Montana Pool Service, founded by Pearl Jam’s very own Jeff Ament, and Homeboy Industries, led by Father Greg Boyle. Those lucky enough to attend this star-studded event were treated to live sets by Metallica, Sammy Hagar & Friends, and SistaStrings. The crowd, a mix of rock purists and charity supporters, was electric, creating an ambiance charged with insane energy and a one-of-a-kind communal spirit.
From the moment the first note rang out from SistaStrings opening set, YouTube Theater immediately proved its reputation as one of the most state-of-the-art venues on the planet today. With its impeccable acoustics and sleek design, every sound resonated by sisters Chauntee and Monique Ross immersed the ever growing crowd into the very core of their performance that evening. While only playing five songs, their set was just what the doctor ordered as the theater began to fill. It included a number of their hits including “Beautiful Reckoning” and Goodbye,” along with an incredible cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Next up was Sammy Hagar & Friends and they immediately kickstarted the night with an ass-kicking performance that was nothing short of brilliant. This “Best of All Worlds” lineup featured bassist Michael Anthony, guitarist Joe Satriani, and drummer Kenny Aronoff. True to form, Sammy Hagar cranked up the energy to eleven as he worked through a dynamic selection of his hits that spanned his legendary 50+ year career.
The 10-song set opened with Van Halen’s “Good Enough,” and it was immediately clear that this band was ready for business on Friday night. Renditions of Montrose’s “Rock Candy” and Hagar’s 1982 classic “Heavy Metal” were sheer perfection, while Chickenfoot’ s “Big Foot” and “Oh Yeah” were jaw droppers for sure. The performance ended with “I Can’t Drive 55,” and capped off arguably one of the best Hagar shows I have seen in years. This guy is legend.
Now on to the band who needs no introduction, Metallica. Arguably the biggest rock band on the planet today, the band delivered a masterclass in musical intensity across two killer sets, both acoustic and electric. Led by frontman and guitarist James Hetfield, the 5-song acoustic set rocked the YouTube with classics “Low Man’s Lyric,” “Helpless” (a Diamond Head cover), and a flawless cover of BTO’s “Away From Home.” SistaStrings then came out and joined the guys on “If Darkness Had a Son” and one of my all-time favorites “Nothing Else Matters.” Watching Metallica perform an acoustic set of any type is a true rarity, and this one was pure gold.
After a brief intermission, Metallica retook the stage, and this time fully electric. Bassist Robert Trujillo took his rightful place stage right, guitarist Kirk Hammet stage left, followed up by drummer Lars Ulrich stepping up behind the kit. Hetfield took center stage and with his signature scowl launched into “Orion” off 1986’s Master of Puppets. Wow.
And it was all systems go from there on out with the entire sold-out crowd on their feet, singing—or screaming—along at the top of their lungs to classics such as “The Shortest Straw,” “Until It Sleeps,” and “The Unforgiven II.” And just when you thought it couldn’t be any better, Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament joined Metallica on stage for “Hit the Lights.” Unfucking believable. The 8-song electric set ended just as it started, on fire, with my favorite Metallica song of all time, “Master of Puppets. It was the perfect ending to an incredible set with 6,000 of Metallica’s closest friends and one I’ll never forget.
And I’d be remiss not to provide kudos to all of the countless organizers who helped pull the Helping Hands Concert & Auction together. The seamless transitions between sets, the sharp sound quality, and the visually stunning stage design all spoke volumes about the level of professionalism behind the scenes. The same held true from a public point of view with an incredible YouTube staff. Parking was a breeze, venue entry a piece of cake, and the graciousness off all staff encountered was second to none. And finally, to Jillian Condran and Nasty Little Man Public relations for their amazing commitment to this event. Your hard work in promoting this evening did not go unnoticed, and it was greatly appreciated.
The Helping Hands Concert & Auction was more than just another night of remarkable music, it was a testament to the power of rock to unite for a cause. For Metallica, this event further solidified their legacy not only as metal legends but as philanthropists deeply connected to their fans and communities. Their ability to blend intensity with intimacy highlighted their maturity as artists and has set them apart as true masters in class. I can’t wait to see how far Metallica takes this amazing charity in months and tears ahead. Their work is important, needed, and a true testament to the DNA of James, Kirk, Lars, and Robert.
METALLICA
SAMMY HAGAR & FRIENDS
SISTASTRINGS
