The last time Metallica played at Lollapalooza was back in 1996, where they also headlined with bands like Soundgarden, Rancid and the Ramones. It was also their first time being in Chicago since 2009, during their World Magnetic Tour in support for their ninth studio album Death Magnetic. But this year, Metallica returned to Chicago in all their glory.
Opening with “Fuel”, the band proceeded to dig into their catalog with classics like “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Disposable Heroes,” and “Seek and Destroy,” all with a select number of lucky fans who got to watch the show onstage. At some point, bassist Robert Trujillo went took the light with an impressive bass solo that recalled the band’s late bassist Cliff Burton who passed away in 1986 in an unfortunate bus accident. All the while, Kirk Hammett demonstrated his impressive guitar skills with tasteful solos, James Hetfield showed off his rhythm guitar chops, and Lars Ulrich was the textbook example of intensity with wild eyes and clenched teeth.
In a brief interlude, Hetfield invoked Chicago pride by saying, “Metallica is grateful that after 34 years we’re still here, thank you Chicago- Thank you Metallica Family!” before performing a cover of the classic Irish drinking song, “Whiskey in the Jar” and a ferocious cover of Diamond Head‘s “Am I Evil?” from their Garage Inc. days. The band then played a soulful rendition of their ballad “Nothing Else Matters” before finishing up with their infamous track, “Enter Sandman” as numerous black beach balls with the Metallica logo emblazoned upon them descended upon the roaring crowd.
The whole gig was livestreamed through Red Bull and was even recorded and aired on SiriusXM Octane the next day. The entire performance has been made available for download, with each track costing a dollar. The proceeds from the downloads and purchase of CDs will go to the Lolla Cares charities.
