Boy’s Metallica wish is petition come true

When young Metallica fan William Bush heard on the radio yesterday morning that the maestros of heavy metal were coming to New Zealand for a one-off show in Auckland in October, he hoped he wouldn’t miss out on tickets.

But any fears he would not make it were quashed when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern surprised William with two tickets at Mt Smart Stadium.

With a big smile and a handshake Ardern joined a nervous 12-year-old William on the couch and credited him with bringing the American heavy metal band to the country. ‘‘Fans in New Zealand can thank you for bringing Metallica here in October,’’ she said.

‘‘It’s going to be an awesome concert, especially with Slipknot playing,’’ William told Stuff.

With two tickets, the Hawke’s Bay youngster said the decision would be tough whether to bring his dad or brother Ben, 15, along.

‘‘We may have to buy two more tickets.’’

He said he had no inkling when he flew up to Auckland with his mum, Anna, he would be given tickets to the concert by the prime minister.

Ardern said she hoped a gap in her diary in October meant she too could see Metallica.

‘‘If I’m around, I would love to,’’ she said.

In September last year, the Hawkes Bay teen launched a Change.org petition to bring the band back to the country for a concert.

He said he grew up listening to the sort of radio stations which play Metallica’s music.

‘‘They’re one of my favourite bands and they haven’t played in New Zealand since 2010,’’ he told Stuff at the time.

‘‘I was four in 2010.

‘‘So I thought, what other way to get them to play here than to start a petition?’’

Two months later, his petition caught the eye of the prime minister and he received a letter in his mailbox congratulating him on his efforts.

In the letter, Ardern said: ‘‘It’s great to hear about young New Zealanders who are passionate about music.

‘‘I grew up listening to Metallica and I’m really impressed by all the effort you have put into getting them to play a show in New Zealand.’’

She ended by wishing him well with his campaign, adding: ‘‘I hope you get to see Metallica play soon!’’

William’s petition has garnered more than 6000 signatures to date.

Metallica will bring their WorldWired Tour to Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium on October 31, with support from Slipknot.

The stadium tour will see the band play five shows in Australia, before closing out the run of shows in New Zealand.