In 2016, metal met mischief when Metallica teamed up with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots for a delightfully offbeat rendition of “Enter Sandman” on The Tonight Show. But this wasn’t your typical headbanging affair—there were no thunderous amps, wailing solos, or double-kick drums. Instead, the entire crew crammed into a cozy room, armed with classroom instruments: think toy xylophones, mini tambourines, and colorful recorders.
What followed was a playful, low-fi version of Metallica’s classic hit that somehow captured both the fun of a kindergarten jam session and the soul of a rock anthem. James Hetfield’s unmistakable growl cut through the childlike chaos, while Fallon and The Roots joined in with joyful energy that made even the most hardcore fans crack a smile.
The moment when the song dipped into its eerie quiet section was unexpectedly charming—everyone leaned in, whispering and swaying, before exploding back into the chorus with toy-fueled ferocity. The performance, full of laughter and genuine enthusiasm, proved that metal doesn’t always have to be serious or loud to make an impact.
Unsurprisingly, the video went viral, racking up over 25 million views and reminding the world that Metallica, even with decades of stadium-shaking shows under their belt, still knows how to have fun—and doesn’t mind poking a little fun at themselves along the way.
This collaboration also spotlighted two musical powerhouses from very different worlds. Metallica, founding titans of thrash metal and part of the legendary “Big Four” (alongside Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax), brought their iconic edge. Meanwhile, The Roots—pioneers of live hip-hop instrumentation since 1986—provided their signature groove and charm as Fallon’s house band.
From the brutal riffs of Master of Puppets to toy glockenspiels on late-night TV, Metallica’s range continues to surprise. And with 11 studio albums—including 2023’s 72 Seasons—under their belt, they’ve more than earned the right to let loose and have a little classroom fun.
