Australian musician John Butler has responded to Metallica‘s surprise nod at their Perth concert by delivering a heartfelt, blues-infused take on the band’s iconic single “Enter Sandman.”
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Butler shared the cover via Instagram while on tour in Europe and the U.K., captioning the post: “@metallica Enter Sandman, but make it John Butlery.”
Butler, who is currently touring across Europe and the U.K., shared his bluesy interpretation via Instagram, using a custom-made Indian slide guitar known as a Chaturangui. “@metallica ‘Enter Sandman,’ but make it John Butlery,” he captioned the clip. “It’s taken me a minute to pull my sh*t together after Metallica covered my song ‘Zebra’ last weekend in Perth/Boorloo… I thought I’d tackle one of their lesser-known tracks. I hope you like it.”
Metallica’s rendition of “Zebra” came during the band’s signature “doodle” segment — a live intermission where lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Rob Trujillo jam on a local song as a nod to the host city’s musical legacy. Butler, who awoke to news of the tribute from across the globe, posted: “Metallica are performing in Boorloo/Perth tonight… I’ve just woken up in London to several texts/vids of them performing ‘Zebra’ wtaf!?? This is a spin out!! RESPECT🙌🤘♥️.”
The Perth doodle was part of a string of Australian tributes during Metallica’s 2025 M72 World Tour run. In Adelaide (Nov. 5), the band mashed up INXS’ “Need You Tonight” and The Angels’ “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again,” blending two Aussie anthems into a gritty, high-octane medley.
The mutual admiration comes as Metallica continues the Australian leg of their M72 World Tour, with upcoming shows in Brisbane (Nov. 12), and Sydney (Nov. 15). The band last toured Australia in 2013, headlining Soundwave Festival.
Butler, meanwhile, is promoting his latest album PRISM, the third instalment in his Four Seasons series, following Running River and Still Searching. He recently completed an Australian tour and is currently performing across Europe.
