According to the New York Daily News, METALLICA gave Mariano Rivera the ultimate ‘Exit Sandman tribute, with a live version of the closer’s signature entrance music — “Enter Sandman” — during the Yankees’ retirement ceremony today (September 22nd at Yankee Stadium).
Shortly after all the VIPs – including Jackie Robinson’s widow, Rachel, and daughter, Sharon, and some of Rivera’s former teammates, including Jorge Posada, Bernie Williams, David Cone and former manager Joe Torre – were introduced and took their places on chairs in front of the Stadium pitching mound, Metallica cranked the opening chords of the song’s ominous guitar riff. Lead singer James Hetfield gave a shout-out to Rivera, “This one’s for you Mariano,” before barking the song’s famous first line, “Say your prayers little one…”