How Joseph Quinn’s Stranger Things Guitar Solo Revived a Metallica Classic

Joseph Quinn’s portrayal of Eddie Munson in Stranger Things created a lasting cultural moment. His character’s heroic guitar solo in season four featured Metallica’s “Master of Puppets.” This single scene reintroduced the 1986 thrash metal anthem to a new generation of listeners.

According to Reuters, the episode’s release caused an immediate surge in streams for the classic track. Metallica themselves praised the performance, calling it a “perfect fit” for the show’s intense climax. The moment showcased television’s power to reshape music history.

The Immediate Impact on Music Streaming and Sales

Spotify reported a massive 450% increase in streams for “Master of Puppets” following the episode’s debut. The song re-entered Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for the first time in decades. iTunes saw similar spikes in digital purchases across multiple countries.

This wasn’t the first time Stranger Things boosted older music. Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” saw even greater success after featuring prominently in season four. The pattern confirms the show’s significant influence on music discovery and nostalgia.

Why This Musical Moment Resonated With Viewers

Eddie Munson’s character represented the outsider archetype that metal culture often embraces. His defiant performance against supernatural forces mirrored the song’s themes of control and rebellion. The scene provided emotional payoff for both the character and viewers.

Metallica’s complex composition demonstrated the character’s musical proficiency despite his troubled reputation. This contrast between perception and reality made the moment particularly powerful. It transformed Eddie from a suspected villain into an undeniable hero.

The Lasting Effect on Metallica’s Career and Legacy

Despite their established status, Metallica gained substantial new younger fans. Concert audiences began including noticeably more teenagers and young adults. The band acknowledged this unexpected demographic shift during interviews.

James Hetfield told the Associated Press they were “thrilled” with the song’s renewed relevance. The exposure introduced their music to listeners who might never have discovered thrash metal otherwise. This demonstrates television’s evolving role in music education and preservation.

Joseph Quinn’s performance ultimately bridged generations through shared musical experience. The Stranger Things moment proved that great art remains timeless, waiting for the right context to find new audiences and meaning.

Thought you’d like to know

Did Joseph Quinn actually play guitar in that scene?

Quinn learned basic guitar positioning for filming but did not perform the full solo. The actual music came from Metallica’s original recording enhanced by studio musicians. His performance captured the energy and passion required to make the scene believable.

How did Metallica react to their song being featured?

The band expressed overwhelming support for the creative decision. They shared behind-the-scenes content across their social media platforms. Lars Ulrich called it “an incredible full-circle moment” for their music.

Has Stranger Things influenced other older songs?

Yes, Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” saw even greater commercial success after season four. The song reached number one on iTunes charts worldwide. It also introduced Bush’s music to millions of new listeners.

What was the immediate impact on Metallica’s streaming numbers?

Spotify reported a 450% increase in “Master of Puppets” streams within days. The song entered Billboard’s Hot 100 for the first time since its original release. Overall Metallica catalog streams increased by nearly 50%.

Why did this particular scene resonate so strongly?

It combined character development with musical catharsis perfectly. Eddie’s redemption arc culminated in this defiant musical stand. The scene used music to elevate both narrative tension and emotional payoff.