Location: Manchester, England Date: 26/03/09 Venue: Manchester Evening News Arena Review: Joe Young
My first live metallica experience was in '07 when i made the trip down to Wembley stadium, and while everyone will tell you how amazing that show was, i couldnt help but detect a slightly different atmosphere that night. After all, S.t anger was not what fans had been hoping for, and even that was 4 years ago. People were desperate for the new album and although the classics were as good as ever, it was a sad fact that even the newest songs they played that night were still 12 years old.
It is this that made last nights show in Manchester even more enjoyable. Most fans agree that Death Magnetic kicks ass, and the boys finally have some new songs that can sit easily next to classics like 'bellz' and 'puppetz'.
As with most shows on this tour they opened with 'That was just your life' at break neck speed, which was quickly followed by 'The end of the line'. New material seemed to be the order of the day though as ever we were treated to amazing versions of songs from the first 5 albums.
By the end of the night, the house lights came on (originally to help James identify a youngsters age: "2!?" he joked) and the band gave it one last blast with an awesome rendition of 'Seek and destroy'. As giant black beach balls came down from the ceiling, you cant help but think the band themselves know how important Death Magnetic is, and thier enjoying every minute.
As always, the last words are left to Lars...
"Is it just me that thinks Metallica should come to Manchester more often than every 13 fucking years!? what the fuck is that about?!
What the fuck indeed...
I cant promise this setlist is 100% accurate. The songs are right, but a hell of a lot of alcohol means a couple of the orders may be a bit muddled...
setlist
-The ecstasy of gold
-That was just your life
-The end of the line
-For whom the bell tolls
-Sad but true
-Wherever i may roam
-Broken, Beat and scarred
-Turn the page
-Cyanide
-One
-The judas kiss
-The day that never comes
-Blackened
-Master of puppets
-Nothing else matters
-Enter sandman
