Metallica have paid tribute to a fan who died at their concert last week.
The heavy metal legends played the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Canada on Friday (23.08.24) as part of their ‘M72 World Tour’, and they have sent their “condolences” to Lorne’s (aka Viking) family and said they were “touched” to spend his “final time” with him.
Alongside a picture of the fan, the band wrote on Instagram this week: “Friday night, August 23rd, in Edmonton we lost a Metallica family member at the show. He died due to health conditions. Leaving the earthly body and onto the next adventure. Very sad when death happens, but we’re touched that he spent some of his final, hopefully joyful, time with us. Our condolences to the family and friends of Lorne ‘Viking.’”
Lorne is said to have received “aggressive CPR” after falling sick in the VIP area, the front mosh pit, at the show.
The medical issue he suffered is unknown.
A Facebook user by the name Erika Oldale claims she was a friend of Lorne and shared her account of losing her “dear friend”.
She wrote in the Discussion section of the ‘M72 World Tour 2023/2024 (Metallica)’ group: “Edmonton concert on Friday night, my friend Lorne suffered a medical issue and was taken out of the snake pit on a stretcher while EMS did aggressive CPR. Despite all their efforts, Lorne did not survive. Seeing the outpouring of concern and well wishes makes us that were blessed to call him friend feel a little less lost and alone. Thank you to the concert goers for that. He was the kindest soul. We all called him Viking. He will be missed terribly!! Please crank up a Metallica song, and raise a glass for the Viking!! RIP my dear friend.”