Metallica Delivers a Masterclass at Hampden Park
Metallica were welcomed to the stage at Hampden Park in Glasgow by relentless heatwave sun and a blast of Ennio Morricone's The Ecstasy of Gold. This striking start marked the closing leg of a three year-plus world tour, which began with the release of their solid 2023 album 72 Seasons.
Much of the tour has comprised mini-residencies with back-to-back “no repeats” shows, offering deep cuts while betting on completists' wallets. This Glasgow stop was for one night only, guaranteeing both hits and lesser-played gems.
Setlist Showcases Range and Energy
The 15-strong setlist showcased the range of the band’s catalogue, from the heavy, pyrotechnics-laden Fuel and Kill 'Em All's opener Hit the Lights to the moodiness of The Unforgiven and Nothing Else Matters. “I see people crowd surfing,” said singer James Hetfield, bemused. “Whatever it takes, man.”
The title track from 72 Seasons was the only song from the new album, but it still sparked two mini circle pits in the standing area. A moment of light entertainment came during a cover of a local song by bassist Rob Trujillo and guitarist Kirk Hammett, who chose The Proclaimers' 500 Miles.
In-the-Round Stage Enhances Dynamism
The band played in the round, which proved conducive to both audience sightlines and the band’s dynamism. As each member moved around the ring-shaped stage, even drummer Lars Ulrich moved between four separate kits, constantly buoyed by fans in the central circular “snake pit,” lending the stadium show the reciprocal energy of an intimate venue.
All four members flitted between runs, kneels, and statuesque poses, but Ulrich arguably had the most vigour. He leapt off his stool to play standing up during several intros and leaned into a back bend at the end of Creeping Death, delighting the crowd behind him.
Finale Ignites 50,000-Strong Crowd
By the final run of Seek & Destroy, Master of Puppets, and Enter Sandman, the whole stadium was infused with the energy of the fans in the middle—a 50,000-strong snake pit for a band who remain vital and dramatic in their fifth decade.
