Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland paid tribute to Metallica frontman James Hetfield during the band’s opening performance on the final date of Metallica’s tour. This was documented in a post shared on Instagram.
Borland appeared on stage dressed as a skull-faced version of 1980s-era James Hetfield. He wore a “Metal Up Your Ass” t-shirt to complete the look. The guitarist shared his experience from the tour’s conclusion in a social media post.
“First night of James for the end of the tour (from Cheska Sparks) and second night back to regular scheduled programming! (from Limp Bizkit),” Borland wrote. “Thanks Metallica for letting us learn how to play on that weird stage! Good times!”
The tribute performance marked the end of Limp Bizkit’s run as opening act for Metallica’s tour dates.
This theatrical homage reflects Borland’s deep appreciation for Metallica that extends far beyond their recent touring partnership.
MetalSucks reported that Borland recently shared a unique cover of Metallica’s instrumental track “Orion” on Instagram. He creatively manipulated loopers and effects to produce a laid-back, trippy take on the classic from Metallica’s 1986 Master of Puppets album. This experimental approach showcased his artistic interpretation of the thrash metal legends’ work.
The connection between Limp Bizkit and Metallica spans over two decades. MetalSucks documented that Borland and Limp Bizkit covered “Master of Puppets” live back in 2001. Borland even handled lead vocals during a festival performance in Germany. This early tribute demonstrated the band’s respect for Metallica’s influence on heavy music.
Vinyl Me Please noted that Borland’s recent “Orion” cover highlighted his admiration for Metallica’s music. It also foreshadowed Limp Bizkit’s collaborative tour with the thrash metal legends. The experimental nature of his interpretation showed how contemporary artists continue to find new ways to honor classic metal compositions.
These musical tributes and covers illustrate how Borland’s recent James Hetfield costume represents more than a simple stage gag. It represents the culmination of years of artistic appreciation and mutual respect between the two bands.
