Metallica Finally Gives Bay Area Fans What They’ve Been Waiting For

After more than two years on the road, Metallica’s M72 World Tour finally arrived in the Bay Area. It was a long-awaited return to the band’s roots—and fans were more than ready.

Two Decades in the Making

Despite kicking off back in April 2023 in Amsterdam and scheduled through mid-2026, Metallica had yet to play near their home base. Bay Area metal fans were starting to doubt it would ever happen. But then came those nights at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara—confirmation that the trek truly came full circle. And what a circle it was.

A Setlist That Hit the Sweet Spot

The show kicked off with a thunderous riff from fight fire with fire, setting a high bar from the start. Then, they pivoted seamlessly into Creeping Death, keeping the adrenaline pumping. In addition, the band showcased favorite deep cuts like Wherever I May Roam and The God That Failed—much to fans’ delight.

Moreover, Metallica didn’t just rely on nostalgia. They included newer tracks like Lux Æterna, balancing old and new. As a result, the setlist felt fresh yet familiar. This thoughtful mix hit home with both lifelong fans and newer listeners.

Band Performance and Atmosphere

From the start, James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett brought a razor-sharp edge to their playing. Furthermore, Lars Ulrich delivered hard-hitting rhythm, while Robert Trujillo added thunderous low end. Together, they recreated that classic Metallica sound—tight, fierce, and energetic.

Additionally, Met titanic stage production delivered our expectations. With intense lighting and fiery visuals, the show felt massive. And yet, it still had the intimate energy of a hometown reunion.

Connecting With the Crowd

Perhaps most moving were the interactions. Midway through the set, Hetfield spoke to the audience. He said, “We’ve been waiting to bring this tour home. Tonight is special.” In response, the crowd erupted. It felt like a shared moment between band and fans.

Again, when the final notes rang out during Enter Sandman, both parties were united. A sea of metal horns and voices echoed across Levi’s Stadium, sealing a night fans and band would not soon forget.

Final Take: Worth the Wait

In short, Metallica finally gave the Bay Area what it wanted—a fierce, nostalgic, and modern live show. They revisited their past and balanced it with forward momentum. This performance reaffirmed why the band remains a global force.

So, even after two years and 70-plus shows, the M72 World Tour is worth every moment. And at Levi’s, it reached its emotional peak.

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