Here's what went down when Metallica kicked off the first of their two "no repeats" shows at London Stadium

As I stood outside the London Stadium in Stratford, the air was electric, and the excitement was palpable. It was Friday, July 3, and Metallica was set to kick off the first of their two "no repeats" shows in the city. I couldn't help but wonder what the night had in store for the thousands of fans who had gathered to witness the legendary metal band's performance.

Metallica's "M72" world tour, which kicked off in April 2023, marked a significant milestone in the band's career. Celebrating the release of their latest album, "72 Seasons," the tour has taken them across the globe, with stops in Dublin, Glasgow, and Cardiff just a few days prior. As the band took the stage, it was clear that they were ready to deliver a career-spanning set that would leave the audience breathless. The London Stadium, a venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in music, was the perfect setting for Metallica's epic performance.

The night began with a bang as Metallica launched into their 16-song set with "Creeping Death," a cut from their 1984 album "Ride The Lightning." The energy in the crowd was infectious as the band segued into "Harvester Of Sorrow" and "Holier Than Thou," both fan favourites from their 1991 self-titled "Black Album." Frontman James Hetfield quipped, "London, you better look out because Metallica is in a good mood tonight.. And it's all your fault." The crowd roared in approval as the band continued to break out hits from their earlier discography, including "Of Wolf And Man" and "Lux Æterna" from their latest album.

Bassist Rob Trujillo and guitarist Kirk Hammett took turns breaking out unique "doodles" specifically for the show, covering tracks written in the city where they were performing. For the London shows, they opted for a medley of Ian Dury's "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" and The Clash's "Guns of Brixton." Special guest Christian Andreu, guitarist for Gojira, joined Hammett on stage for a blistering rendition of "Sad But True." Trujillo, meanwhile, played the bass from inside the snakepit, surrounded by fans, adding to the night's sense of excitement and camaraderie.

As the night drew to a close, Metallica wrapped up the rest of their set with fan favourites like "Fade To Black," "Cyanide," "Orion," "Nothing Else Matters," and "Sad But True." Hetfield quipped, "I have the best job in the whole world," as the band broke out back-to-back renditions of huge hits "Fuel," "Seek & Destroy," and "Master Of Puppets." The night was evidence of Metallica's enduring legacy and their ability to connect with fans across generations.

As the crowd filed out of the London Stadium, it was clear that Metallica's "no repeats" shows would be remembered for a long time to come. The band's commitment to delivering an epic performance, their passion for their craft, and their connection with the audience made for a truly unforgettable night. As a writer, it's moments like these that remind me of the power of music to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As Metallica gears up for their next show, fans can't help but wonder what the future holds for this legendary band. Will they continue to push the boundaries of their music, or will they take a step back and reflect on their incredible legacy?## Bullet List of Key Facts:

• Metallica kicked off their "no repeats" shows at London Stadium on July 3
• The tour is part of their "M72" world tour, celebrating the release of their latest album "72 Seasons"
• The band performed 16 songs, including hits from their earlier discography and new tracks from their latest album
• Bassist Rob Trujillo and guitarist Kirk Hammett broke out unique "doodles" for the show, covering tracks written in London
• Special guest Christian Andreu joined Hammett on stage for a rendition of "Sad But True"