In a tҺrilling display of adrenalized intensity, Metallica kicked off the first of two powerhouse performances at Detroit’s sold-out Ford Field on a Friday night. The veteran band, now a streamlined and fine-tuned machine, showcased their enduring prowess with a supersized production that took over the Lions’ den. Despite their refined stage presence, Metallica delivered bursts of scorching, intricate greatness that have defined them as titans of the metal genre.
The Detroit weekend marked the 2023 finale of Metallica’s M72 World Tour, introducing the innovative concept of a “No Repeat Weekend.” The setlist for Friday’s 2-hour, 10-minute performance was entirely distinct from what vocalist-guitarist James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Kirk Hammett, and bassist Robert Trujillo might unleash on Sunday. The tour, ostensibly in support of their latest album, “72 Seasons,” which earned three Grammy nominations earlier that day, was, in reality, a celebration of their four-decade-long career.
The show featured a dynamic set, including three tracks from the new album, with the standout being the crisp-riffed, punk-spiked “Shadows Follow.” The evening started with fervor and concluded even hotter, bookended by classics “Creeping Deаth” and the slicing, propulsive “Master of Puppets.”
Metallica’s performance took place on a massive circular stage at the center of Ford Field, surrounded by eight towering video pillars providing graphics and close-up camera feeds. This in-the-round setup allowed Metallica to fill almost every nook and cranny of the stadium with fans, although it somewhat limited their traditional pyrotechnics, which were reserved for “Fuel” and “Master of Puppets.”
While the official attendance figures are yet to be announced, the crowd on Friday appeared well over 60,000, based on past Ford Field concert configurations.
The Detroit visit also included extracurricular activities, such as a downtown pop-up merch shop that experienced brisk business on Thursday and Friday. The retail space showcased the new album’s yellow-and-black color scheme, mirroring the stage setup inside the stadium.
Ford Field transformed into a sea of pumping fists, thrashing heads, and metal horns, reflecting the multigenerational appeal of Metallica’s music. A touching moment occurred when Hetfield acknowledged a young fan’s sign declaring it was their first concert, to which Hetfield responded, “You picked the right one, I must sаy.”
As the newly minted 60-year-old Hetfield showcased his enduring vocal prowess, Metallica’s performance demonstrated their ability to command a stage, whether spreading out across the vast setup or converging together with the energy of a young rock band in a tight rehearsal space.
Metallica’s electrifying performance at Ford Field on Friday night set the stage for an eagerly anticipated return on Sunday. With a setlist that catered to both longtime fans and diehards, Metallica proved that their musical prowess has not diminished over the decades. As the band continues to celebrate their illustrious career, fans can expect another unforgettable evening when Metallica takes the stage once again, solidifying their status as one of the greatest and most enduring acts in the history of rock and metal music.