The No Repeat Weekend from Metallica made history in St. Louis as the first-ever event to sell over 100,000 tickets between two nights since The Dome opened in 1995. What was an event where all ages and all different walks of life were welcome, some folks were decked out in 80s and 90s Metallica tour shirts, as others dressed in metal fashion to be seen in all black, chains, fishnet tights, dark makeup and much more impressive looks. As the weekend was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the band did nothing less than impress and prove they're still one of the loudest, and most respected, bands of all time.
As Metallica formed in 1981 by original founding members - wailing guitarist and vocalist, James Hetfield and louder-than-life drummer Lars Ulrich - the band has been based in San Francisco for most of its career. Cliff Burton served as the original bassist for Metallica from 1982 until his death in 1986 - performing on the band's first three albums - Kill 'Em All, Ride The Lightning and Master Of Puppets. Jason Newsted succeeded Burton as the band's bassist from 1986 - 2001. In 2003, Rob Trujilo joined Metallica to replace Newsted and is the band's longest serving bassist. Lead guitarist Kirk Hammett joined Metallica in 1983 and is considered to be an original member by most fans (replacing guitarist Dave Mustaine who was fired due to substance abuse and violent tendencies). Metallica was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame by Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) in 2009 with members - James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Cliff Burton, Jason Newsted and Rob Trujilo.
As the concerts alone were complete metal festivals that included opening acts on Friday - Mammoth WVH and Pantera, and on Sunday - Ice Nine Kills and Five Finger Death Punch - it was also a Metallica-filled weekend all over downtown St. Louis. Metallica cover bands played at clubs and bars, a Metallica film festival happened, a sold-out book signing for James Hetfield, Blackened (Metallica's whiskey) taste test events, a Metallica-themed bowling event and more.
Night one of our No Repeat Weekend kicked off with "Creeping Death" - from Ride The Lightning as the crowd roared and soared through the first song of the night. Other honorable mentions include "Holier Than Thou", "Harvester Of Sorrow", "Lux Æterna" and "Fade To Black." As the night reached "Nothing Else Matters" - one of the band's most popular songs, the energy between the band and crowd remained high and kept climbing. As we traveled into "Sad But True", heads were banging, pits were moshing and the snake pit roared through the flashing lights and thrashing sounds. "Fuel" ascended everyone to get on their feet as James' intense vocals and wailing guitar sounds filled the stadium, along with pyro and fireworks fueling from the stage. As the setlist was nearing the end, the energy was nowhere near declining as "Seek & Destroy" was performed. As Metallica made it seem like the last track had been performed, the band was striving for one more track - "Chrissy, this is for you." - if you know, you know. "Master Of Puppets" closed out night one and left the crowd in a tumultuous state of being as most folks were on a concert high, while others stumbled out of the venue - all in good spirits.
Night two opened with 1983's "Whiplash", followed by "For Whom the Bells Tolls" with an exciting and passionate crowd on a Sunday night. We were also met with classics such as "Ride The Lightning", "Wherever I May Roam", "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)", "Blackened" and "Whiskey In The Jar." The thundering tempo of "One" filled the air towards the end of the set with weeping guitars, heavy bass lines and massive drumbeats. Closing out night two and the weekend was "Enter Sandman" a deep and personal fan-favorite that if you only knew one song the entire weekend, that was the one everyone in the stadium knew. All four members of the band are always so thankful with everything they do, but especially at their live shows, they always take pride and show love to their crowds. Through charity work, events, bringing smaller artists on tour, showcasing their career highlights and so much more, Metallica proves they're still relevant as they should be and have been for 40 years.
METALLICA
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