Wednesday night’s NBA Finals game between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors at Oakland, CA’s Oracle Arena featured a pre-game performance of the National Anthem by Metallica‘s James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett. As the Oracle Arena announcer stated while introducing the two local musical heroes, “From day one, this band has called the Golden State its home.”
The pair took to the hardwood for a rocking instrumental rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” similar to the various versions they’ve delivered at nearby Oracle Park ahead of the San Francisco Giants‘ annual “Metallica Night.” Much like their recent “Metallica Night” National Anthem, Hetfield and Hammett’s performance ahead of the Warriors game saw them rock the team’s logos and slogans on their clothing and gear.
Watch Metallica’s James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett play “The Star-Spangled Banner” ahead of the Warriors game at Oracle Arena below:
James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett (Metallica) – “The Star-Spangled Banner” – Oracle Arena
[Video: SPORTSNET]
Metallica isn’t the only Bay Area musical act that has publicly supported the Warriors of late. At a recent Warriors playoff game, the Grateful Dead‘s Bob Weir and fellow Bay Area native Jackie Greene delivered an a cappella rendition of the Anthem. Weir has also been spotted in the crowd on various occasions rooting on the Golden State squad, often alongside NBA Hall of Fame-er and noted Deadhead Bill Walton.
While the Warriors wound up losing the game to the Raptors (bringing the score of the best-of-seven series to 2-1 with Toronto in the lead), they’ll have a chance to even the score when Game 4 takes place at Oracle Arena on Friday night.