As fans approached Citadel Hill with black t-shirts, jeans, and ball caps, the sound of heavy metal and a pumped up crowd filled the air.
At-least 30,000 showed up for what would be one of the greatest shows Halifax has ever seen. Music lovers had trouble putting last nights show into words. ” Three words: Concert-Kicked Ass”, Terry, a fan recalled this morning.
The gates opened around 2pm and the music began around 3.
PEI’s own Death Valley Driver warmed up the first fans with a short, but energizing set. The band opened for Metallica after winning a region-wide “Clash of the Bands” contest put on by festival organizers. A panel of judges and voting fans made the final decision on July 8th.
Matt Mays, a local favourite took it upon himself to continue the trend, taking the crowd through an hour iong set of constant hits such as “Stand Down at Sundown” (an amazing opener), “City of Lakes”, & “Cocaine Cowgirl”
By 4:45, the headbanging began as Protest The Hero, Seether and Coheed and Cambria got the crowd set up for that big moment, despite some rain.
It didn’t matter much though, by 8:40, the rain let up, and BAM, by 9pm, the legendary Metallica hit the stage opening with a loud “Creeping Death” then proceeding into their smash hit “For Whom the Bell Tolls”.
“Rain, no rain. Sun, no sun. It doesn’t matter, we create our own,” frontman James Hetfield proclaimed.
Throughout the night, Hetfield continually referred to us as “Metalifax” in reference to the local Metallica fan club of the same name. Fans could be found in the front row holding up the prominent “Metallifax NS” flag and wearing custom t-shirts.
Whether you were in VIP, in the pit, or up on the hill, sight lines were never an issue, especially with the three large video screens that followed the band’s every move on stage.
As the night continued, the guys performed hits such as “Enter Sandman”, “Master of Puppets”, “Ride the Lightning” and “Nothing Else Matters”.
A three song encore featuring “Last Caress”, “Hit the Lights” and “Seek & Destroy was performed to much excitement. There was even some teasing up on stage, when the band jokingly tried removing their guitars, the crowd would erupt in screams.
Whether you were wet, covered in mud, or had a few too many beer, it didn’t matter, Metallica was in town and everyone had the time of their lives. NOTHING ELSE MATTERS! m/
FULL SET:
1. Creeping Death
2. For Whom the Bell Tolls
3. Fuel
4. Ride the Lightning
5. Fade to Black
6. Cyanide
7. The Memory Remains
8. Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
9. Sad But True
10. All Nightmare Long
11. One
12. Master of Puppets
13. Blackened
14. Nothing Else Matters
15. Enter Sandman
ENCORE:
16. Last Caress
17. Hit the Lights
18. Seek & Destroy
What about the next band?
ACR is a discussion community so we may as well get the ball rolling!
After a life-altering show by Metallica, how can we possibly get another show that comes even close?
Turns out, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers will be touring throughout the fall in Europe and will soon announce North American dates. The bands new record, “I’m with You” is in stores August 30th.
With drummer Chad Smith having played Citadel Hill in 2009 with Chickenfoot, he knows what Halifax crowds are all about!
Wouldn’t it be spectacular if the Peppers performed Rock The Hill 2012?
RHCP, is easily the hottest band on the 2012 summer festival booking circuit. Get on it, Harold!
If you want RHCP next year, “I’m With You” !
What do you think?