Metallica kicked off the 2024 U.S. portion of their ambitious M72 World Tour in grand fashion with a ferocious launch at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA on Friday night, August 2nd. The band transformed the stadium into a hellish dreamscape with eight towering LED video screen cylinders piercing the sky. As if rising from the underworld, the band performed on a concentric ring surrounded by a sea of fans on the GA floor and that surrounded a fervent ‘snake pit’ of fans. Despite the night’s initial threat of rain, the weather held, allowing the full visual impact of the stage, its lighting, and pyro to shine through. The band, renowned for their relentless energy and iconic catalog, did not disappoint the eager crowd.
The night was a whirlwind of thrash metal classics, with the trio of “Creeping Death,” “Harvester of Sorrow,” and “Leper Messiah” immediately setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Hetfield’s commanding vocals and Ulrich’s relentless drumming created a sonic assault that left the stadium shaking. Hammett got in his steps as he covered every square inch of the stage, all while effortlessly wielding his custom guitars. Bassist Rob Trujillo, who is always the most entertaining to watch, crab-walked and meandered to and fro with a joyful menace. Despite the challenges of playing in the round, the band commanded the stage with their trademark intensity. The snake pit at the center of the arena added a unique visual element, and the band members constantly moved around the stage to engage with the massive crowd.
A poignant moment arrived with “Orion,” a showcase for Trujillo’s bass prowess and a fitting tribute to the late Cliff Burton. The inclusion of Black Album tracks provided a welcome melodic respite. “Nothing Else Matters” showcased a softer side of the band, while “Sad But True” brought the energy back up with a vengeance. Metallica’s ability to seamlessly blend their older, more aggressive material with the commercial success of their self-titled album demonstrated their versatility and enduring appeal.
For “The Day That Never Comes”, Hetfield performed while reclining on a chair. Though he looked relaxed, there was nothing relaxing about the song’s theme of domestic abuse. The juxtaposition of his seated posture and the song’s raw, violent themes created a jarring contrast. Once again wrestling with father issues and being haunted by real-life monsters, Hetfield warmly crooned the song’s disturbing lyrics and unflinchingly snarled the unnerving chorus. As the song’s combustible, claustrophobic mix built and eventually blew up, the audience’s senses were sonically bombarded by a symbolic representation of being bruised and battered and the lingering aftereffects.
Impressively, Ulrich alternated between three different drum kits, showcasing his technical prowess and adding visual flair to the performance. Meanwhile, Hetfield was a whirlwind of energy, strategically maneuvering between various microphone stands positioned both inside and outside the circular stage. The band’s dynamic performance was amplified by a high-tech staging rig featuring eight towering screen pillars that provided fans with an unparalleled, immersive viewing experience.
The night culminated in a triumphant encore featuring the anthemic “Fuel” and the classic one-two punch of “Seek and Destroy” and “Master of Puppets.” As the final chords echoed through the stadium, it was clear that Metallica had delivered a performance that would be etched in the minds of fans for years to come. And that was just the first night! What will Metallica have in store for Sunday?
For the first night of the band’s two-night residence, Pantera and Mammoth provided an explosive double shot of rock to warm up the crowd. The undeniably talented Wolfgang Van Halen got the evening started with his brand of rock and roll. With his own signature electric guitars strapped on his back, Wolfie not only impressed with his incredibly competent fretwork, but also his impressive lead vocals. Mammoth’s short set included “You’re to Blame”, “I’m Alright” and “Don’t Back Down”. Van Halen and his band performed flawlessly, making strides in carving their own path.
The reconfigured Pantera, who sadly lost both Paul brothers (Dimebag and Vinnie Paul), tore through their set with the help of close friends Zakk Wylde on guitar and Charlie Benante on drums. Along with Wylde and Benante, original members Phil Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass) wasted no time by digging deep and unleashing a crushing set of fan favorites that included “Mouth for War”, “This Love”, “Walk” and their finale that featured “Cowboys from Hell”. Anselmo looked fit and commanded the stage with a pursed lip and piercing stare throughout most of the set. His gravelly voice never wavered. Wylde channeled his best friend’s spirit, dialing in his tone and technique to ensure he paid proper homage to Dimebag Darrel’s legacy – proving he was the only choice to step into Dime’s shadow. Rex Brown was menacing in his own right, the lanky, long-haired rock veteran marched around the stage and helped to lay down the ground shaking rhythm section along with Benante.
