Legends Collide Backstage: Wolf Hoffmann and Don Airey Share a Moment at Metallica’s Nashville Blowout
In the ever-evolving world of rock and metal, there are few moments that feel timeless. Last night at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, one of those rare flashpoints unfolded backstage at Metallica’s “M72 World Tour” stop. Amid the thunderous riffs, epic production, and a sold-out crowd, a quieter yet no less monumental moment occurred offstage—Wolf Hoffmann, the iconic guitarist of Accept, and Don Airey, the legendary keyboardist of Deep Purple, were spotted together, sharing laughs, stories, and admiration for the band on stage.
For longtime fans of heavy music, seeing two titans of different corners of the genre in the same room is akin to a rock & roll summit. Hoffmann, a German guitar virtuoso who helped define European heavy metal with Accept, and Airey, whose work with Deep Purple, Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow, and more helped sculpt the landscape of hard rock and metal, brought a certain gravitas to the evening—one that fans and fellow musicians alike couldn’t help but notice.
A Backstage Convergence of Titans
Metallica shows are always star-studded affairs, drawing in artists from across the musical spectrum. But the sight of Hoffmann and Airey together struck a different chord. These are not just seasoned veterans; they are musicians whose fingerprints are deeply etched into the DNA of metal and hard rock.
Dressed in his signature leather jacket and sunglasses, Hoffmann arrived with an aura of calm confidence. His presence immediately lit up the backstage area, as younger bands, crew members, and even Metallica’s own entourage paid respects. Don Airey, as warm and animated as ever, soon joined the scene, arriving straight from a Deep Purple rehearsal session ahead of their upcoming European summer tour.
According to sources close to the production, the two had not planned a formal meeting. Yet when they crossed paths just minutes before Metallica took the stage, what began as a casual hello turned into an impromptu summit of musical minds.
Trading War Stories and Musical Reflections
Witnesses backstage reported the pair conversing enthusiastically about everything from early tour memories to modern gear setups. Hoffmann, known for blending classical influences into Accept’s muscular sound, reportedly praised Airey’s finesse and range on the keys, particularly his legendary solo work on Rainbow’s “Eyes of the World” and Ozzy’s “Mr. Crowley.”
Airey, ever the gentleman, returned the praise, calling Hoffmann’s work on Restless and Wild and Balls to the Wall “metal with both teeth and sophistication.” He noted the guitar tone Hoffmann achieved on tracks like “Fast as a Shark” helped pioneer the speed metal sound that would later inspire generations of thrash bands—including Metallica themselves.
“Your phrasing, man—so tight and articulate, it’s like Bach through a Marshall stack,” Airey was heard telling Hoffmann with a grin.
The pair even posed for a photo, now circulating rapidly across social media, sparking fan speculation about possible collaborations or joint appearances at festivals. While there’s no indication of anything formal in the works, the chemistry between the two was undeniable.
Metallica Pays Homage On Stage
As Metallica hit the stage to the sounds of Ennio Morricone’s “The Ecstasy of Gold,” frontman James Hetfield gave a brief nod to the legends in the wings. “We got some true heroes of rock and metal in the house tonight,” he told the roaring crowd. “Let’s make it loud enough so even the gods backstage hear it.”
It was a subtle but meaningful acknowledgment of the legacy artists who paved the way—musicians like Hoffmann and Airey, whose contributions still echo in Metallica’s own music.
From the opening salvo of “Creeping Death” to the closer “Master of Puppets,” the energy inside the stadium never waned. Yet for many fans who caught wind of the backstage meetup, the knowledge that these luminaries were watching made the night even more special.
Cross-Generational Inspiration
The significance of the encounter wasn’t lost on the younger generation either. Members of rising metal acts like Spiritbox and Sleep Token, also present backstage, took the opportunity to introduce themselves to Hoffmann and Airey. Several were overheard citing Accept and Deep Purple as foundational to their musical journeys.
“It’s like meeting Zeus and Poseidon,” joked one crew member. “You just don’t expect them to be this approachable—and still this cool.”
Both Hoffmann and Airey appeared relaxed and genuinely thrilled to be part of the moment. For musicians who’ve each spent over four decades touring the globe, recording genre-defining albums, and playing for millions, their presence at the show was not about basking in past glory but about supporting the next wave of metal excellence.
Nashville: The New Crossroads of Rock
Once known primarily for country music, Nashville has in recent years become a true crossroads for all genres. Metallica’s choice of the city for a major stop reflects that shift, and the presence of Hoffmann and Airey only underscores the eclectic magnetism of Music City.
Earlier in the day, Airey was seen visiting a vintage synthesizer shop in East Nashville, while Hoffmann reportedly dined at a local German restaurant with friends before heading to the venue. It seems the city’s vibrant culture and growing rock scene served as the perfect backdrop for such a convergence.
A Moment Worth Remembering
While Metallica’s show delivered its usual bombast and brilliance, it’s the quiet, unscripted moments like this that remind fans why rock and metal remain such enduring forces. The camaraderie, mutual respect, and shared history among artists of different eras provide a continuity that no trend can erase.
Wolf Hoffmann and Don Airey, two musicians from different bands and backgrounds, found common ground not only in their love for music but in their reverence for the stage and those who continue to grace it. Whether it leads to new music, a surprise jam session, or simply stands as a remarkable backstage memory, their encounter was a highlight in a night full of them.
And for those lucky enough to witness it, the message was clear: legends may a
ge, but their impact only grows stronger with time.