Metallica; two nights, four different openers, one weekend Detroit never forget.
Opening with “Whiplash” and ripping through hits, non-hits, deep cuts, and wrapping up with “One” and “Enter Sandman”. The guys made Detroit their home for the last several days, ending with two packed shows at Ford Field.
Here are some pictures WRIF photographer Will Spurrier took to cap off a weekend of controlled chaos. The Metallica boys know how to do it up right. From the stage setup to the setlists to the fan experiences and the Blackened Whiskey tasting and bottle signings. I even met a member of the band Damage Inc., who traveled with the entire tour and played the Saturday nights at each stop with two other tribute bands.
One thing that I wasn’t sure I was going to like is how the band takes the stage each night. I guess I’m old-school in that way. I don’t want to see the band until they appear on stage. I’d seen all sorts of videos from other shows with the guys just there, hanging among the fans. Well, after seeing them come out of the backstage area, in full view of the crowd, hang during AC/DC’s “It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Want To Rock ‘N Roll)”, and then through their intro with the “Ecstasy Of Gold”, I get it now. It’s another thing they do that other bands don’t or simply can’t. As with their music, they’re not afraid to do things out of the ordinary. As they’re waiting to go on stage, it’s almost like they’re part of the crowd waiting for it to begin with the rest of us….but they’re bringing the thunder!
In closing, just a personal thing from me. A big Thank You to every person who stopped me to say Hello, fist bump, shake hands, or yell MELTDOWN from across the corridor. You guys are appreciated. I’m glad we got to spend this weekend together!
-Meltdown-
