Metallica is notoriously discerning and often litigious regarding the use of their music in external contexts. This is why it comes as no surprise that they recently compelled the U.S. government to retract a promotional video for its drone program, which featured an unauthorized use of their iconic track, “Enter Sandman.” Following this incident, the video has been re-uploaded without the accompanying music. The band’s staunch protection of their intellectual property underscores their commitment to maintaining the integrity of their work.

Insights into the Pentagon’s Video and Metallica’s Reaction

On July 12, Rolling Stone reported that the Pentagon had “deleted and reposted a video highlighting how President Donald Trump’s administration plans to ramp up its use of drone warfare. The initial version included the Metallica hit ‘Enter Sandman’ as a background track, while the revised version is devoid of any music.” The magazine further noted that a representative from Metallica confirmed that the use of “Enter Sandman” in the original clip was unauthorized, reflecting the band’s vigilance in protecting their copyright.

Furthermore, as corroborated by The Independent, a Pentagon spokesperson stated on Friday: “Earlier today, representatives from X contacted the Department of Defense regarding a video shared on our social media platform and requested its removal due to a copyright infringement related to the song ‘Enter Sandman’ by Metallica. The video has been taken down, corrected, and re-uploaded to our page.” This incident highlights the serious nature of copyright compliance, even in governmental communications.

The video originally appeared on X (formerly known as Twitter) on July 10, as reported by The Independent. In the footage, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confidently approaches the camera, outlining how his department intends to implement Trump’s executive order aimed at “unleashing American drone dominance.” He elaborates on their strategy, which consists of “three critical components”:

“First, we will strengthen the U.S. drone manufacturing industry by producing thousands of American-made products. Secondly, we will equip combat units with a variety of affordable, American-crafted drones, leveraging our top-notch engineers and AI experts. Lastly, we will train with a mindset that anticipates real combat scenarios. Senior officers need to overcome the bureaucratic risk aversion that often hampers budgeting, weaponization, and training.”

Hegseth delivers his message while standing on the Pentagon’s front lawn, flanked by several soldiers, as a quadcopter buzzes overhead, delivering a memo. This striking imagery serves to emphasize the serious nature of the military’s technological advancements.

For those interested, the original version of the video can be viewed below:

As highlighted by Rolling Stone, “An instrumental rendition of ‘Enter Sandman’ was played during the president’s recent lackluster military parade, which incited outrage among Metallica fans.” This sentiment reflects the passionate response from the band’s dedicated fanbase regarding the misuse of their music.

Additionally, the publication explained that “the organizers of the parade were issued a cease-and-desist order for playing ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ without permission after they were explicitly instructed not to use the song.” There is even a dedicated Wikipedia page that tracks the numerous artists who have opposed Trump’s use of their music, showcasing the ongoing tension between artists and political figures over music rights.

DISCOVER MORE: Metallica Debuts Black Sabbath Deep Cut at Back to the Beginning: Video, Setlist

Exploring the Legacy of “Enter Sandman”

Released as the lead single from the influential 1991 album Metallica (often referred to as The Black Album), “Enter Sandman” stands as one of the thrash metal quartet’s most recognizable tracks. It has sparked debate among fans, as many consider it to be their first foray into a more “pop” sound, marking a significant shift towards a more commercial style compared to their previous releases. According to lead vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield, the song delves into the theme of nightmares, portraying a child who is influenced by the words of adults.

Moreover, drummer Lars Ulrich has stated that “Enter Sandman” served as the “foundation to guide the whole Black Album,” highlighting its pivotal role in shaping the album’s direction and sound. The song’s success was so immense that it inspired Metallica to compose another track, “King Nothing,” from 1996’s Load, as a sort of “response” to it.

Hetfield elaborated on this connection, stating, “‘King Nothing’ was kind of a direct answer to ‘Sandman.’ At the end of the song, there’s a little nod to ‘off to never, neverland,’ acknowledging the original. We were trying to match the fact that ‘Sandman’ was a hit, and people resonated with it. Writing a song in that same tempo and style made logical sense. ‘King Nothing’ was one of the first tracks following The Black Album and served as a tribute to ‘Sandman.’”

This insight provides a fascinating lens through which to appreciate the interconnectedness of Metallica’s work.

Updates on Metallica’s Recent Activities

On July 5, Metallica was among the many major acts to grace the stage at the legendary Back to the Beginning concert, hosted by Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. Their dynamic set included six songs, showcasing both original compositions like “Battery” and “Master of Puppets,” alongside covers of Black Sabbath classics such as “Hole in the Sky” and “Johnny Blade.”

Looking ahead, Metallica is preparing for an extensive tour scheduled for late 2025 and into 2026, with performances set in countries like Germany, Poland, Australia, and New Zealand. Notably, their May and June 2026 shows will feature support from renowned acts such as Gojira, Knocked Loose, Pantera, and Avatar. Fans can check out the complete schedule of performances and purchase tickets through their official channels.