Metallica are welcomed to the stage in Glasgow by relentless heatwave sun and a blast of Ennio Morricone’s The Ecstasy of Gold. It’s a striking start to the closing leg of a three year-plus world tour, which started with the release of the metal legends’ solid 2023 album 72 Seasons. Much of the tour has comprised mini-residencies, with back-to-back “no repeats” shows offering the promise of deep cuts while betting on completists’ deep wallets. This stop in Glasgow is for one night only, meaning a guarantee of both hits and lesser played gems.
The 15-strong setlist showcases the range of the band’s catalogue, from the heavy, pyrotechnics-laden Fuel and Kill ’Em All’s incredible opener Hit the Lights to the moodiness of The Unforgiven and Nothing Else Matters (“I see people crowd surfing,” says singer James Hetfield, bemused. “Whatever it takes, man”). The title track from 72 Seasons is the only song from the band’s newest album to make the setlist, but it still gets two mini circle pits going in the standing area. There’s even a moment of light entertainment during the regular spot for a cover of a local song, courtesy of bassist Rob Trujillo and guitarist Kirk Hammett; tonight, it’s an arguably too easy pick of The Proclaimers’ 500 Miles.
