When Stranger Things season 4 dropped, we all knew the Hawkins gang were in for a ride – but nobody expected Eddie Munson’s “Master of Puppets” solo to shred its way into the halls of rock legend. 🎸🔥
What started as a Netflix moment turned into a real-life crossover of epic proportions when actor Joseph Quinn (our beloved Eddie) met the actual gods of thrash — Metallica — backstage at Lollapalooza 2022.
And trust us, it was pure wholesome metal mayhem. 😭🤘
🎸 The Scene That Broke the Internet
Before we get to the meet-up, let’s rewind. Eddie Munson’s “Master of Puppets” scene wasn’t just TV — it was a love letter to metalheads everywhere.
Filmed in a demonic hellscape, with bats swirling around and the Upside Down on fire, Eddie took out his Warlock guitar and screamed, “This is for you, Chrissy!” before launching into Metallica’s 1986 masterpiece.
Metallica’s track skyrocketed up the charts again, nearly four decades after release. 🧠💀
James Hetfield himself later said:
“We were beyond psyched they used ‘Master of Puppets’ in such a powerful scene. To see it get that kind of energy from a new generation — that’s what metal’s about.”
🖤 When Eddie Met the Four Horsemen
So, picture it: backstage at Lollapalooza, Chicago. Joseph Quinn nervously walks into Metallica’s dressing room.
Lars greets him with a grin, Kirk’s got his usual chill vibe, Robert’s already air-bassing, and Hetfield — ever the dad-rock god — gives him a hug and says:
“We’re big fans of Eddie, man!” 😎
The band handed Quinn a custom B.C. Rich Warlock, the exact model he used in the show, and even signed it for him.
Then, in a move that made the internet collectively lose it, they jammed together.
🎶 Yes. Joseph Quinn jammed “Master of Puppets” with Metallica themselves. 🎶
🤘 Quinn’s Reaction? Totally Metal.
Quinn was absolutely starstruck but handled it like a true riff lord.
“I’m kind of lost for words,” he said, laughing. “It’s all been surreal — the fact they even watched the show is mad, let alone invited me here.”
Metallica were buzzing too. They’d already posted a TikTok of themselves playing along to the Stranger Things scene on a split screen, with Hetfield nodding in approval like a proud metal dad. 🥹
🕹️ The Stranger Things Effect
Since that fateful episode, “Master of Puppets” has become a Gen Z anthem.
Spotify streams went wild, TikTok edits multiplied faster than Demogorgons, and suddenly everyone wanted to learn those riffs.
Even Metallica noticed the wave, with Hetfield saying:
“Seeing young fans pick up guitars because of that scene — that’s the real reward.”
⚡ Metallica x Eddie Forever
The crossover even found its way back into Metallica’s live shows. They’ve since included Eddie Munson tributes during their concerts — displaying him on screen during “Master of Puppets” at some gigs, horns raised, guitar blazing.
That’s right: Eddie Munson is canon in the Metallica multiverse. 🩸
🎤 The Legacy Lives On
Joseph Quinn has gone from TV heartthrob to honorary metalhead, and Metallica? They’ve proved once again why they’re untouchable — a band that never stops inspiring new blood to pick up a guitar and rage.
So next time you hear that opening riff of Master of Puppets, just remember:
Somewhere out there, Eddie Munson is still shredding in the Upside Down, and Metallica’s still watching with devil horns raised. 🤘🔥
Long live the riff. Long live Eddie. Long live Metallica.
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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