Metallica at Bonnaroo
Metallica at Bonnaroo
Metallica at Bonnaroo
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by clint gilders - clubkingsnake staff
Bonnaroo. Manchester, Tennesse.
June 13, 2008
The last time I saw Metallica live was in 1990. It was the day I met my wife. Since then Metallica (in it's current iteration) had faded from my life. The Bob Rockification of the band and the resulting move to a more mainstream sound just doesn't do it for me.
BUT.... when I was offered a trip to Bonnaroo the fact that Metallica was headlining Friday night was pretty much the reason I said yes. This is a choice of headliner from far in left field. Bonnaroo is/was a hippie jam-band fest. But what a way to expose a whole new demographic to metal, or they could fail miserably.
After shooting Steel Train and Umphrey's Mcgee at the Sonic Stage and watching a bit of Willie Nelson I headed to the camp for a snack and a little rest. 8 o'clock rolled around and I started the long walk to The What Stage in a light but determined rain. The What Stage is the big stage at Bonnaroo and the crowd assembled for Chris Rock's performance was impressive. From my initial vantage point Chris was but a speck on the stage. Slowly but surely I move with the flow of the crowd and made my way toward the stage. My ascent was aided by the exodus of Bonnarooers exiting after Rock's set finished.
Metallica at Bonnaroo
Metallica at Bonnaroo
Metallica at Bonnaroo
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By The time Metallica launched into "Creeping Death" fifteen minutes late I was edging pretty close to the stage, and it was worth it. The set was light on post Black Album material. Metallica seems to have figured out what the fans have always known. Everything after 1991's
Metallica: Metallica (popularly known as "The Black Album") was really pretty week. There, I said it. Get over it.
The opener "Creeping Death" is my favourite Metallica song to see performed live. Fans in the know chant "Die! Die! Die" in unison and to hear this is an experience not to be missed. From that into what could be argued as their first crossover hit "For Whom The Bell Tolls". The set was a delicious sample of Metallica's greatest recordings.
It was amazing to witness James ask for a show of hands from those who'd never seen Metallica before. Estimates put it at 80%+ of those in attendance raising their hands.
What elevated this beyond a tired greatest hits review was the energy and interaction of the band. James, Kirk, and Robert roamed the stage like caged animals. Each member ventured to it's cavernous reaches and engaged the crowd. The interaction between the members was also refreshing. This is a Metallica that I haven't seen in a long time. From Kirk and James trading licks at the front of the stage, Robert's vomit inducing spins and James kneeling in front of his amp coaxing forth beautiful feedback they look like they are having fun every minute of the show.
I don't know if this show was wasted a large percentage of 'rooers but I loved every minute of it.
Setlist:
Creeping Death
For Whom The Bell Tolls
Ride The Lightning
Harvester of Sorrow
The unforgiven
And Justic For All
No Remorse
The Memory Remains
Fade To Black
Master Of Puppets
Whiplash
Nothing Else Matters
Sad but True
One
Enter Sandman
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Encore:
Last Caress
So What!
Seek and Destroy