Heavy metal titans Metallica brought their M72 World Tour to Detroit for two shows at Ford Field, promising a “no repeat weekend” with two fully distinct setlists. (It was also the band’s first time playing the Motor City proper in over six years, having played Comerica Park last in the summer of 2017.) The thousands of metalheads who packed the stadium were a testament to how eagerly awaited the band’s return to Detroit was. Here are five moments that stood out from night one’s set on November 10th:
Pantera End Their Year of Touring Strong
Pantera vocalist Phil Anselmo noted this was the band’s last show on the docket in 2023, and the metal heavyweights certainly ended their touring year on a high note in the opening slot before Metallica. Anselmo commanded the crowd early with his hearty roar, getting the fans pumping their fist in unison to “Strength Beyond Strength.” The set built-in energy to a powerful finish, headlined by standout tracks “Fucking Hostile,” “Walk,” and closer “Cowboys From Hell.”
On “Fucking Hostile,” numerous mosh pits spawned on the floor, with bodies flying to the pummeling guitar riff from Zakk Wylde and drumbeat from Charlie Benante.
“Walk” stood tall as a high point in the set. “We’re about to take control here,” said Anselmo. “This next riff will control you.”
And control it did – Wylde’s commanding guitar riff served as the sturdy backbone of the track, with Anselmo’s growling voice getting the crowd to pump their fists with each punctuated callout of “Re-spect! Walk!”
Metallica Start Up Close and Personal
With AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” blaring over the speakers, Metallica made their dramatic entrance by walking through the GA floor before ascending the stage to start their set. The band kickstarted the onslaught of riffs with “Creeping Death.” The early phase of the concert also featured some rarities – including “Through the Never” and “Leper Messiah,” with the former only having one other performance in all of the 2023 tour dates so far (per setlist.fm).
Riffs New and Old
The set only featured a handful of new cuts from 2023’s 72 Seasons, but these latest songs proved they could keep pace with some of Metallica’s classics in the riff department.
New tracks like “Lux Æterna” impressed with its blitzing guitar riff, while vocalist James Hetfield’s growling vocals shined on “Too Far Gone?” And while not brand new, “Hardwired” (from the next most recent studio album Hardwired… to Self-Destruct) fit right in with the back half of the set, led by its blistering guitar open, Hetfield’s roar, and drummer Lars Ulrich’s speedy drum hits.
Of course, older hits thrilled in the core of the set, as well. The instrumental track “Orion” impressed by showcasing the band’s command over tempo, with riffs ranging from the sludgy and slow to the speedy. “We miss you, Cliff,” Hetfield said after the song ended, in a nod to the band’s former bassist.
The slow-burning “Nothing Else Matters” gave Hetfield’s powerful croon a chance to shine. Guitarist Kirk Hammett’s searing solo helped close out “Fade to Black.” And the anthemic, staccato riff of “Sad But True” electrified the fans, who eagerly sang along.
“Snake Pit” Stage Design
One of the most unique design choices for the tour revolved around the stage, which was an enormous circle that allowed for a floor pit both within the hollowed-out middle of the stage (dubbed the “Snake Pit”) and surrounding the outer perimeter of the stage, as well. With mics strategically placed around the circular stage, and Lars Ulrich’s drum kit moving around the ring, Metallica was able to smoothly play to all sides of the room. The most memorable and exciting use of the stage design came during the standout track “Fuel,” with pops of fireworks and bursts of flames exploding upwards all around the stage, creating a ring of fire that flared up in time with Hetfield’s fierce vocals.
Powering Through the Finish Line
The final three songs of the set, starting with the fiery “Fuel” and wrapping up with “Seek & Destroy” and “Master of Puppets,” finished the night with a bang.
“Let’s see what happens when I say… seek,” Hetfield teased at the start of the track. “And destroy!” the crowd enthusiastically shouted back. The bone-crushing, chugging riff led the way, with another blistering solo from Hammett shining in the middle.
Metallica saved one of their biggest hits for last with “Master of Puppets,” headlined by its iconic, thrashing opening guitar riff and drum beat, paired with Hetfield’s throaty scream.
“If you had fun, follow me,” Hetfield said at the track’s coda. With each call of “hey,” the singer was greeted by a sea of fists pumping in unison to the heavy guitar riff and crash of cymbals.
Hetfield said it best earlier in the set: “Metallica’s been doing this for 42 years, and we still love every second of it.”
