Metallica recently sent a message to Japanese singer Ado following her viral cover of “Enter Sandman.” The band shared their reaction in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The band expressed excitement over how younger generations continue to discover their music. They specifically highlighted Ado’s unique performance at the Summer Sonic festival.
“Watching younger generations find their way to our music never gets old,” Metallica said. “It’s one of the best parts of doing this. But we’ve never seen it done quite like Ado just did it. Opening AND closing Summer Sonic with ‘Enter Sandman’?! We’re blown away. Thank you!”
Ado responded to the band’s message to express her gratitude. She shared what Metallica’s music means to her.
“Your music transcends time, country, gender – everything!” Ado wrote. “We draw so much strength from your music! It’s truly an honor. Thank you so much.”
This exchange highlights the enduring global impact of Metallica’s classic track across different generations and cultures.
Ado is a Japanese singer and “utaite.” She became widely known for her powerful vocals and a public persona built around anonymity. She appeared on the Marine Stage at Summer Sonic 2026. This appearance added to the attention around her performance.
Summer Sonic 2026 marked the festival’s 25th anniversary. The event ran from Aug. 14 to 16 in Tokyo and Osaka. The lineup included acts such as The Strokes, BUMP OF CHICKEN, FKA twigs, Kasabian and Keshi.
“Enter Sandman” reached No. 16 on the U.S. chart. It spent 20 weeks on the chart after its 1991 release. The song also became a charting hit in the U.K. This success helped cement its status as one of Metallica’s signature tracks.
The song remains one of Metallica’s best-known recordings. It has long been part of the band’s broader cultural reach. Ado’s version added a new generation’s voice to that legacy.
