It goes without saying that Metallica are a ubiquitous household name, a worldwide brand, and so it seems to make sense that they play the country’s most prestigious festivals, rubbing shoulders with the biggest names from all genres, and this year is no exception. Following on from last years triumphant headlining slot at Glastonbury, Metallica headlined this years Reading and Leeds Festivals.
I have to admit there was not much else on the bill to interest me, but Metallica never fail to disappoint live, and so at 5pm I rushed away from work and headed up to Bramham Park, near Leeds, for my 19th encounter with the metal titans.
After a 30 min hike from the car to the site, through the campsites, and an endless sea of detritus, I visited the merch and then the bar before heading to “The Pit” just in time to catch Swedish occult metallers Ghost. Papa Emeritus and the nameless ghouls opened with “From the Pinnacle to the Pit” which was well received by the gathered congregation. Following on quickly with “Ritual”, Ghost really hit their stride and had the crowd completely under their spell as the haunting hypnotic melody filled the tent. “Year Zero” came next, and it was with reluctance that I dragged myself away (noting the December tour dates) aware that “The Ecstasy of Gold” was fast approaching…….
My timing was impeccable and I had just got into position down the front as the intro was blasted aside by the opening salvo of “Fuel” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls”. Right from the outset it was clear this was going to be a special night….Metallica were on form, and the chemistry clicked (or maybe I’d had just the right amount of beer!). A brutal “Blackened” led into “King Nothing”, which seems to be making a welcome return to the setlist, and I really enjoyed hearing it live again. The set moved on and classic followed classic including “Ride the Lightning” and “Sad But True” before the opening chords of “The Frayed Ends of Sanity” rung out over Bramham Park. I had heard this live before in Helsinki, but I believe this was a UK live premier.
In need of liquid refreshment I retreated to the bar at this point, and upon moving away from the front, it was noticeable that a large proportion of the crowd were stood around in their onesies looking confused and bemused. There were some trying hard to do the “right” moves, some who were openly mocking and others trying their best to ignore the band……I topped up with beer, and then carried on flying the metal flag among the non-believers!
“One” led to “Master of Puppets”, and then an emotional “Fade to Black” which was my highlight of the night. “Seek and Destroy” closed the main portion of the set, and was the only representative from “Kill ‘em All” – I had hoped a bit more would have been aired given the recent re-release of the “No Life ‘Til Leather” demo.
The encore began a dedication to “Fallen Soldier” Cliff Burton before an upbeat “Whiskey in the Jar”. The pace slowed for “Nothing Else Matters”, with the intensity rebuilding as the track reached its crescendo. “Enter Sandman” was the inevitable finale, with beach balls being released into the crowd creating a party atmosphere for those left standing. As the final notes rang out, I began the trek back to the car, with my ears ringing, throat hoarse and massive grin, and even the prospect of an early shift at work a few hours later could not dampen my spirits.
Set List
The Ecstasy Of Gold
Fuel
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Blackened
King Nothing
Ride the Lightning
The Day That Never Comes
The Memory Remains
The Unforgiven
Sad But True
Turn the Page
The Frayed Ends of Sanity
One
Master of Puppets
Fade to Black
Seek & Destroy
Encore
Whiskey in the Jar
Nothing Else Matters
Enter Sandman
(10/10 Andy Pountney)
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