Still Rocking After 18 years...

It is no secret that I have been a fan of heavy metal since 1980. That was the year I would immerse myself into that genre of sound, fueled heavily by the release of a new album 'Back in Black' by AC/DC. I burned ridged into my record player I played them so much. Ditto Montrose, Krokus, Saxon, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, BLACK SABBATH, and Def Leppard. 'Wasted' was my anthem for years. It wasn't until 1987 that I became familiar with the following band.

Craig, a coworker of mine who knows heavy metal music the way I spout about baseball, gave me some good insights and prep with regards to last night's three band concert at the AAC. Two years ago I was introduced to a band from Richmond Virginia whom I thought were the shizzle-Lamb of God!  Craig also told me to keep my eyes and ears open for a band from outside the states-Gojira! The band name is Japanese for Godzilla, which I didn't know.

The night before Valentine's Day in 1992 I saw Metallica perform a 3 hour show without an opening act at the L.A. Forum with Chuck. Months after the release of the black album with the snake on the cover, radio stations were playing the hell out of the album. I bought the cassette the day it was released. Not a bad song on the list. A great followup to 'And Justice For All...' my favorite album up until that time.

I was amazed at the energy this band from Downey possessed. Jason Newsted on bass did admirably in the absence of Cliff Burton. The energy level inside the Forun was off the charts, and I'll never forget how incredible it was to watch Metallica in person. 4 encores including 'One'. Amazing.

Four months ago I was informed that I'd be going to Metallica on Tuesday night. What I DIDN'T know was that there would be two opening bands. An added bonus for yours truly.

Gojira had that look of a band happy to be playing. An energetic set of 36 minutes to friendly applause. A band of the future. Lamb Of God took things to the next gear and I started getting amped. Tough to do when you're sober. The couple next to me in their 50's made numerous trips to the beer stand. I hope they remembered their night. Lamb of God played a raucous 40 minute set that impressed me greatly. A future headliner.

As the lights began to go dark I started to compare 2009 to 1992. Will the band still have it? Has Metallica gotten better? Will Lars be the cocky prick has was in the 90's or has he mellowed out? How will Trujillo compare to Newsted? How does James do sober onstage? Is Kirk Hammett the king of the arpeggio? Then I heard music and a ROAR from the crowd.

The next 2 hours provided all my answers. Metallica did a wonderful mix of new, old, old, old, new, old, old, new, old, encore, etc. I was actually surprised at how much music from the 'Kill Em All' and Black Album Metallica played. I do not recall any music from 'Ride the Lightning'. The biggest pop came when the first chords from 'One' were performed to an inferno of flames.

After 18 years, I dare say that Metallica was stronger as group this time around. Mr. Trujillo has an unorthodox way of playing bass, strong yet effective. Kirk was at his professional best. James and Lars jammed like they hadn't missed a lick in 28 years.

Once upon a time the idea for a  record was 'Metal Up Your Ass!' What better way to describe the night at the American Airlines Center. Thanks to my friends who made last night possible. Can't wait for Megadeth to visit in December.

Time for a walk!

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will