Metallica madness has taken over Perth as the city gets behind legendary rockers ahead of their Perth show on Saturday night.
Metallica is set to bring an “eardrum-rattling” spectacle to Perth as the legendary heavy metal band kicks off the Australian leg of their M72 World Tour at Optus Stadium on Saturday night. This marks the first time in over a decade that the iconic band has toured Down Under, igniting excitement among fans across the nation.
Lead singer James Hetfield was spotted incognito aboard a Rottnest Express ferry on Thursday, accompanied by his girlfriend Adriana Gillett, as anticipation builds for the national tour launch. The band, comprising founders Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, along with Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo, will be supported by nostalgic rock acts Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies.
A Night to Remember at Optus Stadium
As fans eagerly speculate over Metallica’s setlist, exclusive photographs reveal the infamous Snake Pit—a thrilling mosh pit integrated into the stage area. While details of the stage’s “top secret” final form remain under wraps, Optus Stadium chief executive Mike McKenna assures that fans with Snake Pit tickets will enjoy an intimate 360-degree experience, with limited packages ranging from $998 to $3998.
“It’s not a big area. But for those fans lucky enough to be in the Snake Pit, it’s a really intimate 360 experience. So they’ll have a great time,” McKenna told PerthNow.
Fans’ Devotion and Metallica’s Legacy
Metallica super-fan Dean Pearce has attended 13 M72 concerts across Europe and plans to follow the band throughout their Australian tour. “The Perth show this Saturday will be 14, and then Adelaide and Melbourne will make 16, and then next year I’m off to London, which will be 17,” he shared, highlighting his lifelong dedication to the band.
Pearce’s passion for Metallica began in his childhood, influenced by his brother’s music collection. Today, he proudly owns one of the world’s largest Metallica memorabilia collections.
“I actually have a Metallica room inside my house, which is full of merch that I’ve been collecting since the 1980s right up until now,” Pearce said.
Metallica’s Philanthropic Efforts
Metallica has partnered with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, offering donors a limited edition t-shirt designed by the band’s artist, SQUINDO. Mega-fan Shane Gibson, who donated blood for the first time on Thursday, expressed how Metallica has been an integral part of his life for the past 35 years.
“I got my first Metallica cassette single in 1991 when the black album came out,” Gibson recalled. “I hope that them seeing the blood in the bag is as good as hearing Whiskey in the Jar,” Lifeblood chief executive Steven Cornelissen said, noting a 50% increase in donations since the collaboration began.
Preparing for a Spectacular Show
With all eyes on Perth for the national tour launch, McKenna promises a night that local metal fans will never forget, distinguishing it from the band’s 2010 performance at Burswood Dome. “This would be a bit different experience than that, because you do have the outside atmosphere to help you,” he stated.
Expecting a soundcheck before the show, McKenna suggested that the familiar echoes of “Enter Sandman” or “Fade to Black” might resonate through neighboring suburbs. “Everything I’ve been told is, it’s going to be eardrum-rattling territory,” he revealed.
Fans will also enjoy Metallica-themed food, including “nothing else batters” fish tortillas and “fight fire with fire” burgers. Organizers hope to sell close to 60,000 tickets before showtime, though several seating options remained available as of Thursday afternoon.
Looking Ahead: A Summer of Entertainment
Saturday’s concert will be the first at Optus Stadium since March 2024, when pop sensation Pink dazzled audiences. The event marks the beginning of a vibrant summer of live entertainment, featuring performances by AC/DC and Ed Sheeran.
However, with the first Ashes test looming, questions arise about protecting the stadium’s cricket pitch from the influx of metal fans. McKenna assures that extensive planning ensures the wicket remains unharmed, with coverings in place during the concert and removed immediately afterward.
“We cover it just as the concert’s about the staff people start coming in, and we take the covering off it straight afterwards,” McKenna explained.
As Metallica prepares to take the stage, Perth is poised for a night of unforgettable music and camaraderie, promising a historic moment for fans and the city alike.
