Metallica to Donate Over $500,000 to Australia Wildfire Relief

Watching on in horror as Australia burns just like the rest of us, the members of Metallica, touched by the widespread devastation, have announced a donation to assist authorities battling the blazes. The donation, made via the band’s philanthropic non-profit, The All Within My Hands Foundation, pledges $750,000 AUD (roughly $514,000 USD) to the NSW Rural Fire Service and the Country Fire Authority in Victoria to aid in relief efforts.

Metallica’s statement reads as follows:

“We are totally overwhelmed by the news of the wildfires sweeping through millions of acres across Australia, with major impact in New South Wales and Victoria. The resulting destruction and devastating effects on all residents, animals, the environment and the incredible land in Australia is truly heartbreaking.  

“Please join us and do whatever you can to assist as we, along with our foundation All Within My Hands, are pledging A$750,000 to the NSW Rural Fire Service and to the Country Fire Authority in Victoria to aid in the relief efforts.

“NSW RFS is the world’s largest volunteer firefighting organization and all funds donated during this State of Emergency are directed toward services related to and victims of these particularly destructive Australian bushfires. CFA (Country Fire Authority) is a volunteer and community based fire and emergency services organization which helps to protect 3.3 million Victorians, and works together with communities to keep Victorians safe from fire and other emergencies.”

Metallica join The Ghost Inside, Ne Obliviscaris and Fit For an Autopsy as just a few of the many members of the metal community that have stepped up to help as this natural disaster ravages Australia. You can watch a recent news update on the latest from Australia below.

Metallica will headline five American festivals this summer and have a South American tour planned as well; dates and tickets here.