Members of Metallica kick off their final US show of the M72 Tour with “Whiplash”, at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierMetallica; 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-
Will SpurrierMembers of Metallica kick off their final US show of the M72 Tour with "Whiplash", at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierJames Hetfield, Robert Trujillo and Lars Ulrich huddle together during a performance at Ford Field on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierMembers of Metallica huddle around the kit of drummer Lars Ulrich during their final US show of the M72 Tour, at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
MeltdownHere's a shot from one of the platforms with the Struggle Within Michigan Metallica fan club guys.
Will SpurrierLars Ulrich of Metallica hypes up the crowd during the intro to "For Whom the Bell Tolls", at Ford Field on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierRobert Trujillo of Metallica lays down some bass riffs during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierMetallica's Kirk Hammett smiles throughout a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierKirk Hammett of Metallica smiles to fans during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierMetallica's Kirk Hammett melts faces with a guitar solo at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Metallica
Will SpurrierJames Hetfield of Metallica poses with guitar in hand during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierJames Hetfield of Metallica plants his foot on the kit of Lars Ulrich during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
MeltdownJames Hetfield crushing the crowd at Ford Field Sunday night.
Will SpurrierJames Hetfield of Metallica gets up close with fans in the Snake Pit during a show at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierJames Hetfield and Robert Trujillo of Metallica face off during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierMetallica bassist Robert Trujillo poses near the kit of drummer Lars Ulrich during a performance at Ford Field on November 12, 2023.
MeltdownAnother picture from the platform. Robert doing what he does.
Will SpurrierA packed crowd watches Robert Trujillo of Metallica during a show at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierLars Ulrich of Metallica lets loose on the drums at Ford Field on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierKirk Hammett of Metallica pumps his fist in the air at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
MeltdownThat's a wrap! Metallica taking their final bows before exiting the stage for the final time.
Will SpurrierFive Finger Death Punch opened for Metallica at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierIvan Moody of Five Finger Death Punch perches on top of a monitor during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierAn audience member throws a free shirt to Five Finger Death Punch vocalist Ivan Moody during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierAndy James and Charlie Engen of Five Finger Death Punch face off at the start of their set at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierZoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch points to an audience member during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierMembers of Five Finger Death Punch sing together during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierChris Kael of Five Finger Death Punch performing at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierChris Kael and Charlie Engen of Five Finger Death Punch fist-bump after kicking off their performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierSpencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills holds up a decapitated head during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierPatrick Galante of Ice Nine Kills performs at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierIce Nine Kills referenced multiple classic horror films during their performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
Will SpurrierIce Nine Kills opened for Metallica at Ford Field in Detroit on November 12, 2023.
MeltdownThat's a weekend I won't soon forget. Metallica brought it in Detroit!
MeltdownAs I was walking out of Ford Field I snapped this picture of the legendary Barry Sanders statue with the Metallica trailer behind him.
