|
|
Waiting in line on a cold December Saturday morning was the beginning of my Metallica concert experiences.
There I stood with kidz who had actually camped out most of the night. Amid beer bottles and puke I waited to get tickets to my first Metallica concert.
That was December 1988 Damaged Justice Tour. I had been a fan since early 1986. I missed them with Master of Puppets. I'd be damned if that would happen again.
Click on the tour ticket
...And Justice For All
This was my first Metallica concert experience. It's also the first concert I went to clean and sober. It's kinda cool to actually be able to remember what
happened. I had an awesome seat. Actually it wasn't a seat, but a folding chair. Very dangerous to stand on (which I did 'cause I'm only 5'3"). Queensryche opened the show.
I'd never really heard them before ("Eyes of a Stranger" and "I Don't Believe in Love" were about it), but that's where I got turned on to them. They did "Operation Mindcrime". Not the whole thing, just a taste.
Metallica
The year was 1992. I was on my way to becoming an officer of the law (before you start getting upset I didn't make it. They changed the requirements and I came up short on college hours and only made it 19th out of 224 candidates. That's a whole 'nother story). This would not stop me from going to a Metallica concert. Nor would the
fact that I would be going alone. Didn't phase me one bit. I was going to a Metallica concert. The band with the greatest fans in the world. I knew I would be safe, that no one would mess with me. If anyone did, I
knew I could always find somebody to take care of the offender. I was going come Hell or High Water.
Guns/Metallica
I never got to go to Monsters of Rock Tour when it came close to Oklahoma. I made a vow to go to the GNR/Metallica concert. Again I waited in line. This time my friend came along with me (she was also going to the show). Dad agreed to fly me down to Dallas (he lived there at the time). My friend got her own way down (family connections in American Airlines). We were going to have a blast.
Load This was the first time I had ever used the phone to purchase tickets. I actually wanted to drive to OKC and stand in line. My then boyfriend was just on the lazy side and talked me into using my credit card (bad, bad idea). Well, I get the tickets. The worst seats I have ever had. Whoever thought up doing this was a moron. I would rather brave the elements and have sore feet.
So, we head out for OKC. When we found our seats I could have died. 'Nough 'bout that.
Reload This was my fifteen year old cousin and his friend's first Metallica concert (also my sister's, who is not into Metallica). We got there way early. The parking lot was a huge party. The cops kept making people empty their beers (it's a dry county). That didn't stop anyone. There were barbeques and football games. Oh, yeah, Heavy Metal everywhere. It was so cool. Most everyone was having a good time ('cept the underage drinkers the cops busted). 'Round 5:30pm we head to the gates.
I had used the phone again to get tickets. Not really what I wanted to do, but I wasn't sure where else I could get 'em having just moved to Massachusetts. They weren't bad seats (I'm still not impressed with the system. I would much rather wait in line). We didn't get the first night like I wanted. I do believe the Sunday show was sold out just the same.
My cousin wanted the hear "Sandman". It was all he could talk about.
Go Back
(#Thanks Tim.)
Expo Square Pavilion, Tulsa, Oklahoma
In between acts I remember a girl being passed overhead towards the back of the crowd (this was before crowd surfing). She had passed out from the crush at the front (they were also passing back chairs). This was a totally general admission show and people wanted to be as close to the stage as possible no matter what got in their way.
When Metallica hit the stage it was like a blow to the guts. A Wham-Take-That kind of attitude. I forgot all about my boyfriend (not a hard thing to do, he was a poser) and joined the headbanging frenzy. The Mosh pit was a sight to behold.
Not something I would join. Not into pain. It was so cool when they played "Leper Mesiah", they made an innuendo to Oral Roberts (his "ministry" was/is just down the street from the venue).
The crowd loved it. When Jason had his solo he played some of "Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)". I remember some people chanting Cliff's name. After awhile they stopped. Jason started doing his own thing. He was accepted. We didn't want the show to stop. The guys ripped up
the stage. Nothing was safe. During a break from banging my head (it's kind of like coming up for air) I saw Lady Liberty "Doris" falling apart. Slowly at first, maybe part of a column. The next thing, lights were falling
out of the ceiling and the statue was in pieces. Everyone cheered (once it was common knowledge it was planned). My so-called boyfriend wanted to leave halfway through the show. I told him go ahead and find a ride. He didn't like that and so he stayed and bitched.
I ignored him and kept banging my head and singing along. My first experience was a total success. I had a stiff neck and my ears rang for three days.
Expo Square Pavilion, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Again I had an awesome seat (thanx to waiting in line on a rainy Saturday morning), and again it was a folding chair. This time was a bit more organized. There were no general admission tickets, so hopefully no stage rushing. They would not allow anyone to stand on the chairs if you did you would be removed (so said James). That was okay though 'cause they had these giant
movie screens on either side of the stage. No matter where your seat was you were guaranteed a look at the stage. This time 'round I had earplugs with me. Not going to lose my hearing to Metallica, sorry. I had learned my lesson.
There was no opening act. They had a movie and did some talking from backstage (Lars and Jason mainly Lars). I remember they showed Starship records and tapes with the headshop next door and everybody cheered, they showed Oral Roberts University and everybody
booed. They showed Tulsa University it was quiet. I laughed. This was going to be an odd show.
Next to me sat these preppy kids in polo type shirts and docker type pants with loafers on. I didn't know if these 'Sandman' fans knew what they were getting into. Metallica hit the stage in a fury. Everyone was on their feet. The stage set up was the Snake Pit.
The guys would run around the stage with such energy. Giving all sides a terrific show. There was even a number where James showed us he can also beat the skins (I think it was Deep Purple "Smoke on the Water"). They played a "Justice" medley. Then went way back to "Kill 'Em All". This is where it got weird. The old guard was banging and moshing and the new "Sandman" crowd sat/stood there dumb. Didn't stop me from banging my head to "Whiplash" or chanting "Die" to "Creeping Death".
Have to wonder though what those kidz were thinking.
Lars made a comment about going to my favorite stomping ground The Windjammer. I remember thinking sarcastically 'Oh yeah, right'. So after the show I head to my favorite bar (which I was planning on doing anyway) and sure enough everyone from the show is there. Everyone but Metallica. Like they'd really show up. It was too much seeing all these "Sandman" fans at my bar.
I felt a little betrayed. I'm just being honest here. Most of those that showed up had never set foot in there before. After that night I never saw those people again at the 'jammer.
The Irvine Stadium (where the Cowboys play) Dallas, Texas
James Hetfield was burned in a pyrotechnics accident during a show in Montreal (August 1992). We weren't sure if the show would go on. There were a couple of tense days there. The guyz in Metallica didn't cancel on us though (it would have been understood...Disappointing but understood). They got a guitarist by the name John Marshall (he played in a band called Metal Church). The show would go on
The place was huge. The stadium where the Cowboys play and we had field tickets. Unfortunately we didn't have pink wrist bands so we could only go as far as the 50 yard line (the stage was set up at the defensive 20 or so). Again they had the big screens. We wouldn't miss a thing.
We got there at 'bout 2pm. The show started at 'round 3pm. Faith No More opened. In the heat of the day this band was up on stage. Not only under the sun, but they had spotlights on 'em.
The event staff was hosing down the crowd. People were passing out left and right. If they were up close to the stage they would be passed overhead to the back of the crowd. It was wild. Ambulances were all over the place. Water cost way too much. It was Hell, but I enjoyed every minute of it. In between Faith No More and Metallica the crowd put on a show.
The staduim has, like, three tiers. Now, the bottom tier started a wave going to the right. The tier on top of that did a wave going to the left. (The top tier tried to wave to the right, but it just didn't catch on.) It looked so cool. I do believe we cheered them on. Time for the show.
Metallica took to the stage and the sun was just starting to set. It was a perfect time to start thrashing. They played almost the whole of "Metallica". Just touched on "Justice". Pleased the old guard with some "Kill 'Em All"/"Ride The Lightning". Made everyone happy with "Sanitarium". James had his arms wrapped in white bandages (to help keep infection out). He had his trademark black arm bands over them.
If he was in pain he didn't let it show. The guy who was filling in used to be their guitar tech long before joining Metal Church. He had filled in for James before when James had broken his arm. The band and he were familiar. They had a chemistry. He did a good job.
I don't remember the song, but at one point the sound cut out on Kirk's solo. Luckily it was fixed. Metallica put on an immpressive show. The crowd loved it. I made it up to the offensive 40 yard line (what I'm trying to say; if the stage is the defense then I was just this side of the 50). It was hot, sticky, I got stepped on once, it was heaven. The sheer number of people yelling "Seek and Destroy" together was so cool. Even with earplugs we were loud. When they left the stage
the party was in full swing.
I made my way to the back of the pack. I needed some air. My friend and I walked around the field. Checking people out. Then Guns and Roses took the stage. The show was basically over for me. My friend was also ready to call it a day. We went up to where the phones were (the stage was still visible). Good thing we did too. Seems someone threw a bottle at the bassist (Duff) and hit him upside the head (a very uncool thing to do). Axle stopped the show. Before this Axle had actually walked
off stage a number of times, but I guess this was a good excuse. Blame the crowd for his inability to sing or carry a stage presence. Luckily we had a head start on the angry mob.
The Myriad Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The show started with a local band. A radio station had a contest; the winner got to get up on stage and play his little song. He did good considering how many people he was playing to. The next band was Corrosion Of Conformity. They were good. I had never heard them before.
The stage was really three stages. Two were on risers the third (in between these) was actually on the floor. The guyz would run all over the place. There were no big screens (luckily I had a monocular). The climax of the show had a huge staged accident. One of the spotlight techs 'fell' out of his seat after his lamp exploded. All the lights went out. People came rushing out with flash light, fire extinguishers and
stretchers. It was cool (since it wasn't really happening).
So, now my boyfriend thinks the show is over. I'm like, 'No, that was just the break for the band. They'll be back.' Sure enough they come strolling out. There were these lights suspended from chains (like you find in cellars or attics). One for each. They had little amps and did an impromptu garage type concert. Jammed to some of the older tunes. I had a kick ass time. Don't think my boyfriend did though. He wound up sitting
through most of the show. His loss. I wound up hoarse the next day. All the smoke (we were two rows from the top) did a number on me.
The traffic coming out of the parking garage was tremendous. All these cars blasting different Metallica tunes. Too cool. A celebration of Metallica
Great Woods, Mansfield, Massachusetts
Days of the New opened. They were okay. A bit mellow for me. I like it hard, heavy, and loud. These guys just couldn't deliver. The interesting thing 'bout them was the lead singer was bare foot (wonder if anyone tried tossing up a lit cigarette?). I sat through their set. Next up was Jerry Cantrell's band. This was a bit more happening. Guess experience does show. I still can't believe Chris DiGarmo (Queensryche's guitarist, I don't think I spelled his name right though) is with this outfit. Change is a
positive thing though. I sat through this one also. They were still too mellow.
Fun thing to do in between sets: time the roadies. See how long it takes them to set up each acts stage. Most times it takes 30 minutes (they've got the headliner's stuff basically set up).
Metallica just nonchallantly walked on stage and proceded to rip our guts out. I do believe it was "Breadfan". I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Stuff I hadn't heard in years was blasting out of their amps. They even played the entire "Master of Puppets". The whole song, not just a little bit, but the whole damn thing. And the best part was it was live.
They tore the place up. I actually saw others banging their heads. I didn't feel alone. Fists punching the air. Voices yelling as one. This was the Metallica I had first seen all those years ago. These were the fans I remembered. It felt so good.
They slowed it down and did some acoustic stuff (got a little twangy there for a moment). Jerry Cantrell jo ined them and it was awesome. A little weird hearing "Four Horsemen" acoustic, but expe rience something new everyday.
The guy z took a break and my cousin started getting upset. 'They haven't played "Sandman"'. They came back and did not disappoint him (or any other 'Sandman' fans). We didn't want the evening to end. They had covered so many songs. It was hard to believe they were going to stop.
But they did.
Afterwards in the parking lot the party kept going. Metallica blasting everywhere. People drinking the last of their beer (some giving it away to strangers/fellow-Metallifans). People giving away food that had been left over from earlier. It was festive.
We watched somebody kicking in the windshield of a Jeep (#he kept saying "Only at Metallica..."). Hoped it was theirs (cops had been by a couple of times and didn't stop him). The cops came by and told us to leave. The line of cars was still 2 miles long, and the wait terrible. We did as told. It was already midnight and I had a 2 hour drive ahead of me .
Wasn't until later I noticed someone had vandalized my own car (F**kers).
