James Hetfield on stage at Comerica. Every time the guys play, it’s a major event. This show was no different.
Erik AratariIt 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.
- HARDWIRED
- ATLAS, RISE!
- FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS
- FUEL
- THE UNFORGIVEN
- NOW THAT WE'RE DEAD
- MOTH INTO FLAME
- WHEREVER I MAY ROAM
- HALO ON FIRE
- MOTORBREATH
- SAD BUT TRUE
- ONE
- MASTER OF PUPPETS
- FADE TO BLACK
- SEEK & DESTROY
ENCORE
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
Erik AratariJames 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
Erik AratariLars 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
Erik AratariJames 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
Erik AratariDuring 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
Erik AratariJames 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
Erik AratariJames 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
Erik AratariJames Hetfield of Metallica. They guys took the stage a little early to beat the storms, which never came.
Metallica-Detroit-2017
Erik AratariJames 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
Erik AratariJames 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
Erik AratariJames 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
Erik AritariLars 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.
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.
Erik AratariJames Hetfield and Meltdown after the interview at Comerica Park. You can watch the interview in the link above.
