Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger joined the lineup at Sammy Hagar’s annual birthday party in Mexico this week, taking the stage to perform a cover of Metallica’s Enter Sandman.

Hagar turns 78 this year and marked the occasion with his usual multi-night party at Cabo Wabo Cantina, the club he opened back in 1990 with his Van Halen bandmates. 

The final night of the celebration on Monday (Oct 13) featured guest appearances from Belinda Carlisle, Alice in Chains’ Jerry Cantrell, and Kroeger.

Midway through the set, Kroeger got behind the drumkit before launching into vocals on Metallica’s 1991 classic. He was backed by Hagar’s band: Vic Johnson on guitar, Kenny Aronoff on drums, and former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony.

It’s not the first time that Nickelback or Kroeger have performed a Metallica song. Back in 2004, the band performed Sad But True live at Rock Am Ring in Germany. 

Nickelback have also been known to cover Metallica’s The Four Horsemen from time to time at their live shows. 

Kroeger’s a long-time Metallica fan. In 2022, he spoke to the BBC about James Hetfield, calling him his musical hero:

“There’s something about James live that just makes me wanna grit my teeth and scream along… He’s not only talented - amazing singer, songwriter, guitar player - but also one of the sweetest people you could ever meet.”

Metallica members have also been known to defend Nickleback. Back in 2017, Robert Trujillo told Alicia Atout: “Listen, the guys in Nickelback are super cool, okay? That’s what I’m gonna say.”

Metallica themselves are heading to New Zealand later this month - we’re bloody excited to see the boys tear it up at Auckland’s Eden Park.