Nothing beats a night with friends and family than enjoying your favorite bands during our summer concerts. During the summer you can expect a lot of major tour to roll through Michigan at one of our many outdoor amphitheatres wether it's in metro Detroit or even up north.
It’s nights like this past Friday and Saturday that make outdoor concert season in Michigan so great. As I stood on stage at Uncle Sam Jam on Friday, and Halestorm/I Previal on Saturday, I couldn’t help but think back to cold, snowy days in February. Or perhaps slipping and sliding to work in January. Yes, we’re holed up for five or six months a year, and to me, that’s what makes these outdoor concerts so much better.
I’ve often said that there’s a part of me that likes putting my Harley Davidson away for the winter. You might think that’s crazy for a guy like me who lives to ride, but hear me out. The day I store my motorcycle is the day that I start to miss it. That makes getting back on it in the spring that much sweeter.
Outdoor Concerts In Michigan
The same goes for concerts. You’ll rarely find me inside for a show during the summer. In my mind, I spend the winters inside; I won’t do that during the summer. Of course, there are exceptions to that, but for the most part, I’m down for any outdoor concert or festival.
I suppose people in other parts of the country or world don’t think like we do here in the Midwest. We tough it out throughout the winter and live it up during the summer. There are only so many weekends during the warm months, so you must take advantage of them. They seem to fly by in the blink of an eye.
Memorable Outdoor Concerts
Some of my most memorable and favorite concert moments are outdoor concerts. The old festival called Rock On The Range in Columbus, Ohio, comes to mind immediately. One reason is that it’s near the start of the outdoor concert season. As you can see below, the Metallica show at Comerica or on Belle Isle a decade ago. Shows at Pine Knob are a given. I have so many great memories of concerts there as well.
Next time you’re at a show outside in Michigan, think about the crappiest winter day….then soak in the warmth and sound and live in that great moment that you’re in. We’ve only got so many outdoor concert days per year. See you at an outdoor show soon!
This Date In Detroit Metallica History
It was on this date, July 12, 2017, that Metallica took to the stage at Comerica Park in downtown Detroit. The show opened with Volbeat playing their entire 60-minute set, followed by Avenged Sevenfold, who had their set cut to 4 or 5 songs because of the possibility of bad weather coming in. They were told in their in-ears, to end it so Metallica could get their show in before the weather showed. As it turned out, no bad weather materialized, and the set from the boys went off without a hitch.
It would be until October of 2023 that Avenged Sevenfold would take to the stage in southeast Michigan, with a show at Pine Knob. Metallica would touch down at Ford Field in November of the same year. Pictures and more about that weekend can be seen here.
As far as the 2017 show is concerned, it was the biggest crowd I’ve ever talked to on the stage. I got to go up and introduce Mix Master Mike for his DJ. set. In an earlier interview with him, he mentioned how he was the “High-Powered Appetizer” I loved that and wrote it on my index finger to see it during my intro, as I held the mic in my hand. Yes, I do that sometimes. LOL
Introducing Mix Master Mike on stage at Comerica Park. This is the largest crowd I’ve ever done a stager for. As you can see, not many empty seats.
The Metallica Setlist
According to Metallica’s site, here is the setlist for that show.
What a show it was! One of the highlights for me was the chance to interview James before the show. What made it a little sweeter is that James was running behind, and they actually bumped a local TV station to only talk with us. You can watch that interview below.
Metallica Rocks Comerica
Check out some pictures former WRIF staffer, Erik Aratari, took of the guys on stage.
Metallica at Comerica Park in 2017
Share
James Hetfield rockin' Comerica. This shot was taken on July 12th, 2017. It would be another six years until Metallica would play in Detroit again.
Metallica at Comerica Park in 2017
Share
Lars Ulrich behind the kit. The stage for this show was massive. As usual. Lars' drums were moved to different points on the stage.
Metallica at Comerica Park in 2017
Share
James doing what James does best...moving about the stage rockin' the crowd 45,000 plus deep. This was an awesome show!
Metallica at Comerica Park in 2017
Share
During the interview with James before the show, he would admit to Meltdown that he did in fact, crash into a fence at Kid Rock's house on a dirt bike. Find out what he did next. Watch the interview above.
Metallica at Comerica Park in 2017
Share
James talked with meltdown before this show. You can watch the interview above, as the frontman talked about their latest album, Hardwired... and lots more.
Metallica-Detroit-2017
Share
James and Robert at Comerica Park on July 12th, 2017. Next time they would come through town they'd play two shows at Ford Field in November of 2023.
Metallica at Comerica Park in 2017
Share
James Hetfield of Metallica. They guys took the stage a little early to beat the storms, which never came.
Metallica-Detroit-2017
Share
James and Robert at Comerica Park on July 12th, 2017. Next time they would come through town they'd play two shows at Ford Field in November of 2023.
Metallica at Comerica Park in 2017
Share
James would talk in the interview with Meltdown about the new album, the loss of guitar riffs from Kirk and more.
Metallica at Comerica Park in 2017
Share
James Hetfield on stage at Comerica. Every time the guys play, it's a major event. This show was no different.
Metallica at Comerica Park in 2017
Share
Lars would get off his drum kit that night, and let a youngster take over for part of a song. You never know what you'll get a a Metallica show.
Share
Introducing Mix Master Mike on stage at Comerica Park. This is the largest crowd I've ever done a stager for. As you can see, not many empty seats.
Share
James Hetfield and Meltdown after the interview at Comerica Park. You can watch the interview in the link above.
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history.
Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.
Sign Up For The WRIF Everything That Rocks Newsletter
Get everything that rocks sent right to your inbox. We're talking rock news, concert updates, stories from all around metro Detroit, plus exclusive contests, games and more.
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.