It’s been twelve years since Metallica last played Australia, but boy did they make up for lost time. Stopping at Adelaide on Wednesday as part of their M72 World Tour, the heavy metal juggernauts put on what could probably be called the show of the year. Some 50,000 fans of all ages packed out Adelaide Oval and it well and truly rocked.
American thrash band Suicidal Tendencies warmed up the crowd early in the evening with a solid set, including “Institutionalised” and “Subliminal”. Lead singer Mike Muir taunted and teased the crowd, daring them to up the energy. The band consists of guitarists Dean Pleasants, Ben Weinman of Dillinger Escape Plan and Tye Trujillo (son of Robert Trujillo of Metallica). Drummer Jay Weinberg keeps the group tight and focussed while letting energy fly all over the stage. The veteran rockers certainly know how to warm up a crowd.
Next up, Evanescence, fronted by powerhouse singer Amy Lee, kept the momentum with their brand of gothic rock. It was fascinating to watch how the band not just kept the energy up, but seemed to become more invigorated as the set progressed. Lee’s vocals are soaring strong and powerful and she injects passion and love into her whole performance. A moment on the piano was a short respite before finishing with hits “My Immortal” and “Bring Me To Life.” This had the crowd in a sing-a-long, phone lights waving.
Metallica is the main act that everyone is waiting for and tensions in the crowded stadium rose in expectation. A tape of AC/DC‘s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” blares out over the expansive sound system, as postcard style images from present and past shows play on the rear projection screens. It felt like an appropriate tribute to a classic Australian band.
Ennio Morricone‘s “The Ecstasy of Gold” plays as Eli Wallach runs through a cemetery in a scene from “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”. The crowd are on tenterhooks. Metallica burst on stage to “Creeping Death” before launching into “For Whom the Bell Tolls”. Massive projection screens amplify the band members, lead singer James Hetfield, drummer and co-songwriter Lars Ulrich, lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo.
Choosing a variety of songs from the extensive back catalogue, “Leper Messiah” proved popular. Hetfield was warm and gracious with the audience and seemed to have a real affinity for Australian audiences. He thanked the audience for supporting heavy metal music and was in genuine awe at how Adelaide Oval felt truly alive. As well as the music and jaw dropping visuals, the performance had its fair share of lights, smoke, lasers, cannons and fire plumes. It was truly larger than life.
In a heartfelt moment Hetfield opened up about his past struggles with dark depression, with a poignant rendition of his song “Fade to Black.” It was a moment of venerability and honesty.
Soon after, Kirk and Rob “doodled” covers of INXS’s “Need You Tonight” and The Angels “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again”. Then the band extended out into the second stage in front of the infamous snake pit, where fans were treated to an even more intimate performance. More hits such as “Moth Into Flame” before “Nothing Else Matters” had the stadium aglow with lights.
Hetfield asked who had the first album, Kill ’em All before launching into “Seek and Destroy” followed by Lux Æterna from the latest album 72 Seasons. The title refers to how many months make up the first 18 years of life, the influential stage of human existence. Giant inflatable balls. More lasers and imagery. Suddenly we’re immersed in a battlefield with gunfire, smoke, and flares. The familiar sounds of “One”, before closing with “Enter Sandman” and a massive fireworks display. A truly memorable end to a truly memorable show. This will definitely be one of those shows that will give massive FOMO to those that missed out.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Check out the upcoming dates on the Metallica Website
Reviewer attended 05.11.25
Our photographer John Goodridge captured these photos
