I Wish to Meet Metallica 

Francisco – Chile

Francisco is what you might call a music lover. There is one type of music in particular, though, that really strikes his fancy. Francisco is a very big fan of a well known group called Metallica. Francisco's wish was to meet his favorite band, but in the end he got much more than a handshake and a smile.

The wish day got off to a roaring start when Francisco, his family and Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Chile volunteer Nicolás were escorted to a special waiting area inside the band's tent. Before the concert, each of the band members dropped by to sit down and talk with Francisco for a few minutes. Lars, James, Robert and Kirk each took the time to sign some autographs after their chats. Metallica's production team also generously gave Francisco a pair of drum sticks, guitar picks and a t-shirt. Once everyone was finished with the pre-performance routine, it was showtime.

Sitting just offstage to the right, Francisco and his family were able to enjoy the show from a vantage point few fans ever have. The night's surprises didn't stop there. About two thirds of the way through the show everyone was invited to enjoy the show from behind Lars' drum set, in a small space where the band would use to change/freshen up/tune their instruments during the show breaks. In between sets about halfway through the show, Lars came over from the drums and handed Francisco the drumsticks he had been using up to that point in the concert. Kirk Hammet turned towards Francisco and dedicated the song to him during one of his solos. Robert even came by in between sets and gave Francisco a hand full of guitar picks to keep. When the show was over, Francisco's happiness was undeniably worn on his sleeve.

Francisco's experience with the Make-A-Wish Foundation ^®, Metallica and everyone involved at the concert left an indelible impression on him. He's since expressed his feelings in a letter to those who helped with his unforgettable wish.

Make-A-Wish friends,

I am very grateful and impressed. I never imagined I would meet with my favorite group, Metallica. I still cannot believe it. Not only watching their concert but also being next to them. This has been something incredible! Talking and having a good time with them…the best time of my life; receiving their gifts…a dream, I was not expecting it.

Today I watch their videos and still cannot believe that yesterday I was actually with them.

I simply want to thank Make-A-Wish for making my dream come true, for allowing me to spend that time with my family and being able to share it with my friends.

Thanks to you I learned that dreams can be accomplished!

Francisco Bilbao

Santiago, Chile 2010

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