James Hetfield of Metallica performs at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierWOW! Metallica once again proved they are the kings of rock! What a show at Ford Field. And to think we're lucky enough to be able to do it again Sunday night!
I met a lot of fans who were seeing the band for the very first time. In a way, I was jealous and really excited for them. I had one friend text me with these words "Where has this been my whole life?" That's saying a lot for someone who goes to a lot of concerts. There was another observation I made. While I was in the so-called "friends and family" suite, there was this 68-year-old man working there. At one point I watched as he took a break from cleaning up and grabbing empty plates and drink glasses. When the show ended, I asked him what he thought. His response caught me a little off guard. He said it was amazing. He described it as a piece of art and commented on how much respect the band members seem to have towards each other on stage. He was very impressed.
Oh, and a huge Thank You to everyone who came by the WRIF broadcast booth while I did my show. I don't think I've even shaken more hands or had more people come by to say Hello than last night.
If you get a chance, check out my interview with bassest, Robert Trujillo from earlier this week. He showed a lot of love for Detroit, with part two of our chat dropping today.
Now, enjoy pictures from the show, as WRIF photographer Will Spurrier captured some great shots of all the bands. Let's do it all over again on Sunday!
MeltdownThe calm before the Metallica storm. This picture was taken around 2:30 Friday afternoon.
MeltdownJames Hetfield getting ready to entertain the jam packed Ford Field crowd.
Will SpurrierJames Hetfield of Metallica performs at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierKirk Hammett of Metallica walks the M72 World Tour stage during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierRobert Trujillo of Metallica peers into the audience while performing at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierLars Ulrich of Metallica bangs the drums at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierJames Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo of Metallica take in a moment between songs at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierJames Hetfield of Metallica sings and strums during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierJames Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo of Metallica huddle together during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierRobert Trujillo and Lars Ulrich face off during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierJames Hetfield of Metallica pumps a fist in the air during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierKirk Hammett takes backing vocals during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierA packed Ford Field greets Kirk Hammett of Metallica during a performance in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierLars Ulrich looks surprised at James Hetfield of Metallica during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierLars Ulrich of Metallica hops to another drum kit on the M72 World Tour stage, performing at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Pantera Ford Field
Will SpurrierPhil Anselmo of Pantera pumps a fist with the crowd during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023. Pantera was an excellent choice for an opener for Metallica!
Pantera Ford Field
Will SpurrierPhil Anselmo of Pantera walks the M72 World Tour stage during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023. It looks like he's taking a phone call, but he's not. I assure you.
Pantera Ford Field
Will SpurrierMembers of Pantera launch into their first song at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023. If you've never seen them live, you've got to sometime!
Pantera Ford Field
Will SpurrierPhil Anselmo of Pantera pumps his fists during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023. He's feeling it! The audience definitely was too!
Pantera Ford Field
Will SpurrierRex Brown of Pantera points to the crowd during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023. Pantera took the stage after Mammoth WVH and before Metallica.
Pantera Ford Field
Will SpurrierZakk Wylde of Pantera points to the sky during a solo at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023. Pantera got the crowd ready for Metallica!
Pantera Ford Field
Will SpurrierPhil Anselmo of Pantera rocks the house during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023. Were you there? Pantera was awesome!
Pantera Ford Field
Will SpurrierA packed Ford Field rocks out with Phil Anselmo of Pantera in Detroit on November 10, 2023. Metallica came out after Pantera. Fantastic weekend of rock and roll in the Motor City!
Will SpurrierZakk Wylde and Charlie Benante of Pantera prepare to melt faces at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierWolfgang Van Halen of Mammoth WVH takes the stage at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierFrank Sidoris of Mammoth WVH poses during a solo at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierFrank Sidoris and Ronnie Ficarro of Mammoth WVH
Will SpurrierWolfgang Van Halen of Mammoth WVH shreds a guitar solo during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierGarrett Whitlock of Mammoth WVH bangs the drums at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Will SpurrierJon Jourdan of Mammoth WVH rocks out during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Wolfgang Van Halen
Will SpurrierWolfgang Van Halen of Mammoth WVH shreds during a performance at Ford Field in Detroit on November 10, 2023.
Pantera Ford Field
Will SpurrierA packed crowd for Metallica, Pantera and Mammoth WVH. Such a great stage set-up, where everyone can see the stage no matter where you're seated. Amazing!
MeltdownAnd that's it....show one is in the books! See you guys Sunday night.
MeltdownAlways fun to see Blackened master distiller/mixer, Rob Dietrich.
