A Star Wars Cover Band Played the National Anthem at a Hockey Game Because Why Not

In 2016, Galactic Empire rose to fame with their cover of John Williams’ famous Star Wars theme from 1977. This act is comprised of members from such metalcore bands as This or the Apocalypse and Alustrium. Empire’s rise to fame has seen them share the stage with acts like BABYMETAL and Dangerkids,but on Saturday, they found a new frontier: a hockey rink.

Mark December 14th as the first day that a metal outfit played the national anthem for a sporting event. Galactic Empire headed off the match between Rocket de Laval and the Rochester Americans. I’ve seen my local AHL team, the Chicago Wolves, have a Star Wars-themed night, but to go this far is a whole new level.

Since the game took place between both Canadian and American teams, the rockers treated the audience to both countries’ national anthems. While this may just be a few minutes of music before a few hours of hockey, this further cements the bands’ legacy that it’s accumulated in a brief few years. Here’s hoping a future Blackhawks game sees the rise of the Empire in triumphant fashion.

Thumbnail credit to Bob McCoy.