20230109-mtl-sea-VMC_0273 copy

Is it a flutist or a flautist?

Fans at the Bell Centre may never know after Monday's special musical performance was interrupted by a decidedly harder-rocking guest.

The Canadiens had planned for world-famous woodwind musician Barnaby Hawthorn III to perform during first intermission of the game against the Seattle Kraken, but newly-returned mascot METAL! had other plans.

With the night's scheduled act seemingly locked in his dressing room come showtime, METAL! snatched the spotlight to perform a three-minute drum solo accompanied by his roadie.

METAL! performs a drum solo at the Bell Centre

The Canadiens have reached out to Hawthorn III regarding a new gig date, but he is currently unavailable (literally) for comment.

For more METAL! content, follow him on Instagram and Twitter.