Metallica Rocks Gillette Stadium: A Fiery Display of Metal Mastery on Night 1 of M72 World Tour

Metallica roared into Gillette Stadium on Friday night, launching the first of their two "No Repeat Weekend" concerts with an explosive performance that left no doubt about their status as metal royalty. As part of their ambitious M72 World Tour, the band treated the 62,000-strong crowd to a high-octane, meticulously crafted show, featuring two completely distinct setlists and support lineups over the weekend.

Taking the stage in a grand, circular setup reminiscent of a battlefield victory, Metallica commanded the arena with an intensity that was both awe-inspiring and unrelenting. The band’s performance, lasting over two hours and encompassing 15 powerful tracks, was marked by a series of explosive moments from start to finish. From the first note to the final chord, the audience was immersed in a head-banging, adrenaline-charged metal experience.

The stage, adorned with eight towering LED video screens, created a visual spectacle that matched the intensity of the music. The setup, which included a central “snake pit” where fans were closest to the action, was an impressive feat of staging, reflecting a concert experience that Hieronymus Bosch might have envisioned in his most vivid dreams.

The night’s setlist featured a series of classic thrash metal anthems, beginning with "Creeping Death" from *Ride the Lightning* (1984), followed by "Harvester of Sorrow" from *...And Justice for All* (1988) and "Leper Messiah" from *Master of Puppets* (1986). James Hetfield’s commanding vocals, combined with the relentless drumming of Lars Ulrich and the ferocious guitar work of Kirk Hammett and Rob Trujillo, created an atmosphere of unbridled energy. Hetfield, channeling the ferocity of Moses in “Creeping Death,” led the crowd in a fervent chant of “Die! Die! Die!” while Ulrich pounded the drums with relentless force.

The concert’s visual and auditory elements were as intense as the music itself. The stage was equipped with multiple microphone stands and pop-up drum risers, ensuring that every section of the stadium was within view of the band. Hammett’s choice of attire, including a dungaree jacket adorned with painted images and a guitar featuring Boris Karloff’s “The Mummy,” added a unique touch to the evening’s spectacle.

Although Hetfield acknowledged the crowd's lukewarm response to new material from *72 Seasons*, including tracks like the title track and “If Darkness Had a Son,” he remained upbeat. Despite the mixed reception, the new songs displayed the band’s ongoing evolution and power.

A highlight of the evening was the tribute to Metallica’s original bassist, Cliff Burton, through the instrumental "Orion." Trujillo took center stage, showcasing his remarkable bass skills in a performance that transitioned into a trippy jam session.

The band balanced their set with more melodic tracks from the *Black Album* (1991). “Nothing Else Matters” allowed Hetfield to show a more introspective side, while “Sad But True” unleashed the band’s trademark raw energy. The night was capped off with "Seek & Destroy" from *Kill 'Em All* (1983), turning the stage into a frenzy of inflatables and crowd excitement, reminiscent of a chaotic yet exhilarating beach party.

As the show drew to a close with "Master of Puppets," it was evident that Metallica remains the unparalleled master of metal. Hetfield’s commanding presence, coupled with the band’s relentless energy, cemented their place as the genre’s undisputed kings. The audience’s enthusiastic response, with fists pumping and cheers echoing throughout the stadium, underscored Metallica’s enduring impact.

The night concluded with heartfelt gratitude from the band. Hetfield tossed guitar picks into the crowd, while Hammett and Trujillo distributed more picks from celebratory cups. Ulrich reflected on Metallica’s journey from their early days playing small venues in Boston to their current status as a major act performing at Gillette Stadium.

With one more night of no-repeat performances scheduled, fans can expect even more classic hits and surprises in store. Metallica’s return to Gillette Stadium promises to be a fitting end to a memorable weekend of metal mayhem.

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