Metallica’s 1986 single “Master of Puppets” was played by “Stranger Things” character Eddie Munson in the eighth episode of the season finale. Now the actor was allowed to tackle the song with the makers himself – but behind the stage.
Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn performed the song “Master of Puppets” with Metallica before their headlining set on Thursday (July 28). Quinn, who portrays Metalhead Eddie Munson on the Netflix series, visited the band backstage at the Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago. After their little session, Metallica also gave him a custom red and black electric guitar and signed it.
?this is for Eddie ?
Joe Quinn met Eddie Munson’s heroes: @metallica! pic.twitter.com/y0oaSLpT6P— Netflix (@netflix) July 29, 2022
Before jamming, Metallica singer James Hetfield expressed his love for “Stranger Things” and described himself as a “huge fan.” He said: “My children and I, this is a bonding experience for us”. Quinn then told the band about Master of Puppets learning process in preparation for the scene. “That’s all I’ve heard for two years. I feel very connected to you,” he explained.
“Master of Puppets”: Great success thanks to Netflix
Following the song’s inclusion on Stranger Things, Master of Puppets debuted at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time since its release 36 years ago. The song suddenly sparked a lot of interest and went viral. Shortly before that, Kate Bush’s classic Running Up That Hill (1985), used in the show’s fourth season, went through the roof.
After the season finale aired on Netflix, Metallica issued a statement thanking Stranger Things producers Matt and Ross Duffer for making their track “Master of Puppets” such a prominent feature of the show. “It’s an incredible honor to be such a big part of Eddie’s journey and to once again be collaborating with all the other amazing artists featured on the show,” the band wrote.
When they performed “Master of Puppets” during their performance at Lollapalooza Festival Thursday, Metallica projected footage of Eddie Munson on a giant screen above the stage. Alongside Metallica, Munson was seen performing the song in the “Stranger Things” scene.