Watch Metallica cover The Pogues and The Proclaimers in Dublin and Glasgow

As the sun set over Glasgow's Hampden Park on Thursday, June 25, Metallica's Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo took to the stage with a mission: to pay homage to Scotland's musical legacy. The duo's 'Kirk and Rob Doodle' section, a staple of Metallica's live shows, had become a platform for the pair to showcase their versatility and appreciation for local music heroes. This time, they chose two Scottish acts that have left an indelible mark on the world of music: The Proclaimers and The Pogues.

Hammett and Trujillo kicked off their set with Nazareth's 'Hair Of The Dog', a classic rock anthem that got the crowd moving. But it was the rendition of The Proclaimers' 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)' that stole the show. The song, written by Charlie Reid and Craig Reid, has become an anthem for the Scottish people, and Metallica's take on it was nothing short of spectacular. The crowd sang along to every word, their voices echoing through the stadium as the band played with the same passion and energy that has made them one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time.

Four days earlier, in Dublin's Aviva Stadium, Hammett and Trujillo had paid tribute to Ireland's musical heritage with a rendition of Ewan MacColl's 'Dirty Old Town'. Although the song was written by MacColl about Salford, it has long been associated with Irish music through versions by The Dubliners and The Pogues. Metallica's take on the song was a fitting tribute to the Irish music scene, and the crowd in Dublin responded with the same enthusiasm that their Scottish counterparts had shown in Glasgow.

The 'Kirk and Rob Doodle' section has become a beloved part of Metallica's live shows, and their tributes to local music heroes have been a highlight of their sets on the 'M72 World Tour'. From Rammstein's 'Sonne' in Berlin to ABBA's 'Dancing Queen' in Sweden, Hammett and Trujillo have shown a willingness to experiment and pay homage to the music that has inspired them. And as Metallica continues on their world tour, fans can expect more of the same, a unique blend of heavy metal and musical tribute that is quintessentially Metallica.

• Metallica's 'M72 World Tour' began in 2023 in support of their 11th studio album '72 Seasons'
• The tour has taken them to various cities across the UK and Europe, including Glasgow and Dublin
• Metallica's 'Kirk and Rob Doodle' section has become a staple of their live shows, featuring tributes to local music heroes

As I watched the footage of Metallica's performance in Glasgow, I was struck by the sense of camaraderie and shared passion that defines their music. Metallica's dedication to paying tribute to local music heroes is evidence of their commitment to the craft and their willingness to experiment and push boundaries. And for fans of metal and music in general, it's a reminder that even the most iconic bands can still surprise and delight us with their creativity and energy.

As Metallica continues on their world tour, I'm excited to see what other musical treasures they'll uncover and celebrate. Will they continue to pay homage to Scotland's musical heritage?