MusicFreaks

Tag: Nothing Else Matters

  • Here’s what went down when Metallica kicked off the first of their two “no repeats” shows at London Stadium

    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.

    Credit: NME

  • Metallica play cover of Tom Jones’ ‘Delilah’ at Principality in Cardiff – despite song being banned in venue

    When the titans of heavy music take the stage, they don’t just play songs; they ignite conversations. Recently, Metallica delivered an unforgettable performance at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, showcasing not only their legendary status but also a bold willingness to defy boundaries.

    As part of their ongoing ‘M72’ world tour, the band made a provocative choice: covering Tom Jones’ classic hit, ‘Delilah’. This decision was loaded with history, as the song itself had recently faced controversy within Wales, having been banned from being performed by choirs in the stadium due to its themes relating to domestic violence.

    The lyrics of ‘Delilah’, written by Barry Mason, tell a stark story, viewed through the perspective of a man dealing with profound loss. This tension between artistic expression and social regulation adds an intriguing layer to the performance—a powerful act of musical storytelling set against a backdrop of real-world sensitivities.

    The spirit of defiance was palpable. Tom Jones himself later spoke out against the ban, emphasizing that while institutions might attempt to censor art, they cannot silence the audience. His message resonated with the band’s intent: “They may stop the choir from singing it, but they haven’t stopped the crowd. Keep on singing it – and I’ll keep on singing it too.”

    Beyond the main setlist, Metallica continues their tradition of honoring musical heroes with their unique ‘Kirk and Rob Doodle’ segment. This mid-set jam allows bassist Kirk Hammett and guitarist James Trujillo to engage in loose, celebratory instrumental sessions, often paying homage to other musical giants. They have a history of this tribute, having played tracks from artists ranging from Rammstein and ABBA to a-ha.

    The band’s presence is a powerful reminder that heavy music remains a vital gateway for exploring complex emotions and celebrating human experience. Their performance was a masterful display, proving why they are still considered among the greatest heavy metal acts of all time, evoking awe from the audience with tracks like ‘Nothing Else Matters’ and ‘Seek & Destroy’.

    The excitement surrounding their tour continues as they head into new legs of their journey, set to continue across the UK with further headline dates. This ongoing commitment to powerful, boundary-pushing music ensures that Metallica remains a force, continuing to inspire fans with every note.

    Credit: NME