In a dramatic twist of fate at Tomorrowland, the festival is rising from the ashes—literally! A devastating fire on July 16, 2025, wreaked havoc on the iconic "Orbyz" Mainstage before the festival even kicked off.

The blaze, sparked during a routine fireworks test, engulfed the stage in flames, demolishing its stunning structure. Fortunately, thanks to timely evacuations, which included about 1,000 workers and local residents, there were no injuries reported. Firefighters acted quickly to contain the damage, preventing the fire from spreading further.

Despite this setback, Tomorrowland organizers announced that the festival's much-anticipated DreamVille campsite will still open as planned on July 17. Meanwhile, the Global Journey events in Brussels and Antwerp remain on track, with local authorities launching an investigation into the fire, tentatively classifying it as accidental.

Metallica's Iconic Stage Steps In!

In an astonishing turn of events, heavy metal giants Metallica have stepped up to become the heroes of the hour. Tomorrowland's spokesperson, Debby Wilmsen, revealed that elements from Metallica’s WorldWired stage—previously stored in Austria—are being repurposed to create a new stage for the festival. This swift recovery plan is a lifeline, allowing the festival to proceed without a hitch.

The band's touring rig, designed for quick assembly, can be set up in less than 24 hours, making it the perfect solution under tight time constraints. The equipment was even airlifted to Belgium, showcasing the lengths to which the festival organizers have gone to ensure that fans won't miss out.

A Look Back at Metallica's Epic WorldWired Tour

For context, Metallica's European leg of the WorldWired Tour, which ran from May to August 2019, comprised 25 shows across 20 countries, selling around 1.5 million tickets. This tour was not just about rock music; it raised over €1.5 million for local charities. With a staggering gross of over $70 million from the stadium shows alone, Metallica made headlines for both their music and their philanthropy.

Their June 2019 performance at Slane Castle alone attracted 71,122 fans and grossed about $8.19 million, while the subsequent show in Berlin pulled in a remarkable 68,452 attendees.

As Tomorrowland gears up for its grand opening amidst this unforeseen challenge, one thing is clear—Metallica has not only rocked stages around the world but also stepped up as a beacon of support for fellow artists and fans alike!