I just saw Metallica in and they were incredible. It was my first time seeing them in concert and everything about the show just knocked me flat. The energy on display when they play is just unbelievable.
We made the 3-hour drive to Charlotte the day before and got to the arena around 3pm. The MetClub line was already pretty long when we got there and the waiting felt like forever before they finally opened the doors, but we were able to secure a spot on the rail at one of the stage corners. That's one of the reasons I didn't enter for the meet-and-greet. While it would be cool to meet any of the band members, the meet-and-greet goes on during the opening acts, and by the time it's over the GA floor is sure to already be packed.
Speaking of the opening acts, they were fantastic. I'd been listening to a lot of Gojira in recent months and they did not disappoint. Lamb of God were awesome too. The guitarists and bassists in both bands spent a lot of time at our corner of the stage, I think because my friends and I were headbanging with our long hair the entire time. The LOG bassist John Campbell even tossed a pick to my friend Colin (a huge LOG fan) and that seemed to make his night.
Rob Trujillo also spent a lot of time at our corner during the show and even came over to shake hands during the post-Sandman break. But a definite highlight was Kirk Hammett coming over to play the guitar solo of One not five feet away from us. "OH GODZILLA! WHAT TERRIBLE LANGUAGE!" awesome.
My friends and I are right behind Hetfield's knee in that pic. That one bouncer with the beard was cool as hell, handing out bottled water throughout the show. Some drunk chick tried to start a fight with my girlfriend for a spot on the rail during Nothing Else Matters (of all songs). Even though the only fist-to-face blow during the brief squabble was delivered by my beau, that bouncer knew the drunk "OH GODZILLA! WHAT TERRIBLE LANGUAGE!" was at fault and threatened to throw her out.
All in all, amazing show. Caught a pick from Hetfield and snatched a drumstick from Lars when it was over. Easily the greatest and most energetic concert I've ever been to.
Check out from the show!
