The heavy metal world got a massive dose of epic energy last night as Metallica delivered one of their career-spanning performances at the London Stadium. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of decades of sonic mastery and enduring legend.
Kicking off the event, the metal pioneers stepped onto the stage for the final leg of their huge ‘M72’ world tour in the UK and Ireland. This performance marked the first of two planned ‘no repeats’ shows, giving fans a chance to relive some of the greatest moments in the band’s history.
The night was packed with raw power, expertly supported by acts like Knocked Loose and Gojira. Metallica launched their incredible 16-song setlist by diving straight into the deep end with ‘Creeping Death’, followed by the weighty sound of ‘Harvester Of Sorrow’. They then seamlessly transitioned through classics from their 1991 self-titled ‘Black Album’, including ‘Holier Than Thou’ and ‘Of Wolf And Man’.
But the show was far more than a retrospective. The band expertly wove in material from their latest era, including the powerful tracks ‘Lux Æterna’ and ‘If Darkness Had a Son’, alongside the punchy energy of ‘Hardwired’ from their 2016 record, ‘Hardwired… to Self-Destruct’. It was a perfect blend of nostalgia and fire.
Adding a uniquely British flavour to the performance, bassist Rob Trujillo and guitarist Kirk Hammett gave the audience a special treat. They performed a custom “doodle,” covering tracks inspired by the city itself, including a medley of Ian Dury’s ‘Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll’ and The Clash’s ‘Guns of Brixton’—a bold nod to local culture.
The atmosphere was electric, especially as the band addressed the crowd with some genuine warmth. Frontman James Hetfield joked that he felt “so blessed to still be here after 45 years,” emphasizing the incredible journey they have taken together.
As the night progressed, Metallica continued to pull from their catalogue, delivering soul-stirring tracks like ‘Nothing Else Matters’ and ‘Sad But True’. The band showcased their commanding presence by borrowing guitar riffs from other acts, including a classic from the 1991 era and touching upon hits from artists like ABBA.
The set culminated in a high-octane finale, featuring back-to-back renditions of anthems like ‘Fuel’, ‘Seek & Destroy’, and the undisputed king, ‘Master Of Puppets’. It was a masterclass in heavy music storytelling, proving why they remain the greatest band around.
Looking ahead, the excitement only grows. Metallica is set to continue their momentum with another show on Sunday, planned as part of their “No repeats weekend.” This performance sets the stage for even bigger things, including their upcoming residency dates at The Sphere in Las Vegas, where they will play until 2027.
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Credit: NME
