Metallica Offers More Than Nostalgia in Uptown Charlotte

It’s hard to believe that Metallica was formed 44 years ago, or as singer-guitarist James Hetfield told the sold-out crowd at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday night, “… 140-something years” ago. The metal quartet’s M72 World Tour hit Charlotte on the heels of its latest album, 2023’s 72 Seasons.

While one might expect them to lean on the newest album they’re still touring, the band provided a bit of a greatest hits set instead. With so many songs in the catalog, it’s easy to see how plenty of fan favorites were left on the side. However, it’s worth noting that the band of sixty-somethings rolled through many of their longest songs instead.

Shorter songs like “For Whom the Bell Tolls” gave way to the nearly seven-minute “Ride the Lightning.” The instrumental “Orion,” dedicated to original bassist Cliff Burton, clocked in at around 10 minutes. “Master of Puppets” went on for well over that.

The only complaint I can imagine might be from people with general admission floor tickets. The circular stage set in the middle of the stadium floor created great optics from higher up, but for some on the floor, it could be frustrating when the band was on the other side, making them difficult to see.

Each area had their moment with the band, but watching someone’s back on a regular basis doesn’t make for the best visual concert experience.

At this point in their careers, Metallica could be phoning it in. Instead, they’re selling out stadiums, performing with smiles on their faces and truly enjoying every moment that they connect with their fans. Hearing a stadium full of people — what felt like half of Charlotte based on social media posts — singing along to the 1982 song “Seek & Destroy” clearly warmed Hetfield’s heart.

Drummer Lars Ulrich hammered away on the drums like he was still in his 20s. Kirk Hammet rifles through riffs like he has from the start. Some might say that heavy metal can take its toll on the body, but this show was proof that music of all types is simply good for the soul.

Before Metallica took the stage, a reformed Pantera — with original singer Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown bringing on guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante — gave fans an hour-long walk down memory lane.

The band broke up more than 20 years ago and fans lost hope they’d ever have a chance to see them live after the deaths of guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott and drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott … until now.

Whatever you think of the new lineup — sure, it’s not the same as it was — it was great to hear the songs live with their thunder and grit. A constantly scowling Anselmo rarely cracked a smile while he stalked the circular stage growling out lyrics. From “Mouth for War” to “Walk” to “Cowboys from Hell,” fans surely got their fix.

Metallica setlist
Creeping Death
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Ride the Lightning
The Memory Remains
Lux Aeterna
Screaming Suicide
Devil’s Lettuce
The Day that Never Comes
Fuel
Orion
Nothing Else Matters
Sad But True
One
Seek & Destroy
Master of Puppets
Enter Sandman

Pantera setlist
A New Level
Mouth for War
Strength Beyond Strength
Becoming
I’m Broken
5 Minutes Alone
This Love
Fucking Hostile
Walk
Domination/Hollow
Cowboys from Hell

Be sure to check out Queen City Nerve’s Soundwave, Charlotte’s most comprehensive live music listing, so you don’t miss out on any shows or concerts coming up. And hell, if you’re looking for something else to do, you can check out our events page as well, which runs the gamut of things to do in Charlotte. You don’t ever have to be bored again. You can check out more of Jeff’s pics and live reviews here.