Dive into the electrifying world of rock legends supporting a noble cause – but brace yourself for the debates that come with it! Imagine the roar of Metallica's guitars echoing through a sold-out arena, all in the name of helping kids in need. Yet, as you'll soon discover, this high-energy event isn't without its controversies that have sparked heated discussions among fans and locals alike. Stick around to explore the full story behind their unforgettable performance at San Francisco's Dreamfest, and see why this concert series continues to divide opinions even as it raises millions for charity.
Dated October 16, 2025, here's the scoop: The iconic thrash metal band Metallica took the stage on Wednesday, October 15, at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California, as a key highlight of Salesforce's yearly Dreamfest fundraiser. This event is dedicated to raising funds for UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, blending entertainment with philanthropy in a way that's become a Bay Area tradition. For newcomers to this event, Dreamfest isn't just any concert – it's a star-studded gala where top musicians perform to support medical care for children, often tied to Salesforce's massive technology conference known as Dreamforce. Tickets for this year's show, which also featured rising pop star Benson Boone, were priced at a premium starting at $1,500, available through the dedicated website www.theconcertforkids.org.
According to reports from the San Francisco Chronicle, the evening kicked off with an exclusive VIP cocktail reception inside the Chase Center, setting a festive tone. As Metallica prepared to unleash their energy, the venue buzzed with additional perks like a buffet spread and interactive activities, turning the night into a full-blown party experience. Frontman James Hetfield, ever the charismatic showman, greeted the crowd enthusiastically after kicking things off with their classic track 'Creeping Death.' 'We're here to have some fun, so join us,' he urged, followed by a welcoming shout: 'Welcome to the Dreamfest party. Where did you all come from? Whether you came from far away or down the street, we're happy you're here.'
For those tracking the band's playlist, here's the complete setlist as captured by Setlist.fm, giving you a sense of their high-octane journey through their greatest hits:
- Creeping Death
- For Whom The Bell Tolls
- Fuel
- The Memory Remains
- The Unforgiven
- Sad But True
- Wherever I May Roam
- Nothing Else Matters
- Seek & Destroy
- One
- Master Of Puppets
- Enter Sandman
Fan-recorded footage of the performance is available below, so you can relive the intensity from the comfort of your screen.
Back when the concert was unveiled in August, Metallica shared their excitement in an official statement: 'We're honored to announce that we've once again been asked to play at Dreamfest, the concert benefiting UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals in San Francisco. Held in conjunction with Dreamforce, Salesforce's annual technology conference, the show will take place at Chase Center on October 15, 2025. We look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to the Bay Area for the conference and the show!'
And here's where it gets controversial – the part most people miss, especially if you're new to this saga. When Metallica headlined the ninth edition of Dreamfest back in 2018 at Civic Center Plaza, it stirred up quite a commotion among nearby residents in San Francisco. The sheer volume of the music carried across vast distances throughout the city, leading to complaints from people who could hear it echoing in neighborhoods like Dogpatch, Cole Valley, and the Mission. For beginners wondering about the impact, imagine trying to enjoy a quiet evening at home only to be blasted by heavy metal from blocks away – it's a classic clash between live entertainment and community peace, one that raises questions about event planning and noise ordinances in urban settings.
This annual charity concert has had an impressive lineup over the years, featuring legendary acts such as Fleetwood Mac, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, U2, and Green Day, just to name a few. These performances have been instrumental in boosting awareness and funds for pediatric care. Overall, the Dreamfest concerts have successfully raised an astounding $120 million for UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals since their inception in 2010, proving that music and medicine can make a powerful team.
Metallica expressed their anticipation on social media: 'We’re excited to return to the Dreamfest stage on October 15, 2025, at San Francisco’s Chase Center to benefit @ucsfchildrens! Now through September 3, Fifth Members can enter to win tickets to this unforgettable event! Only at #DF25. Enter the Contest ➡️… pic.twitter.com/2j0fFygED5' – posted by Metallica on August 21, 2025.
So, what's your take on all this? Do you believe the thrill of a Metallica concert justifies any potential neighborhood disruptions for such a worthy cause? Or is there a better way to balance charity events with local residents' comfort? Maybe you even have a controversial counterpoint, like suggesting these high-ticket galas prioritize elite attendees over broader community benefits. Share your opinions in the comments – I'd love to hear what side you fall on!
