When the kings of metal return, they don’t just play a show — they deliver a spectacle. Metallica’s “72 Seasons” World Tour hit Optus Stadium to launch the Australian leg with the kind of thunderous precision and stagecraft only four decades of dominance can create. From the first riff to the last pyro blast, Perth was treated to a masterclass in heavy metal history.
Before the main event, fans were gifted a powerhouse set from Evanescence, fronted by the incomparable Amy Lee, whose voice soared across the stadium like an emotional tidal wave that was woven in with the rest of the band – Tim McCord, Will Hunt, Troy McLawhorn and Emma Anzai.
Seeing fans surging into the stadium before the main event was like watching a monsoonal flood – relentlessly filling up every space and crevasse to get closer to the power flowing off the stage…… it was like they had found the source of the flood and we wanting to be saturated in it.
Supporting Metallica is no small task, but the band proved more than up to it, they had an intimate gig the night before in Perth so they were eager to rip it up with a haunting, high-energy performance that blended old favourites with their newer, heavier edge.
Iconic tracks like Bring Me to Life and Lithium hit with nostalgia and raw emotion and were also surrounded by Wasted on you and one of my favourites Call me when you are sober. Amy thanked the fans for their loyalty (22 years) of making music together and following them on the ride, it was the perfect setting the stage for what was to come.
Then — the moment Perth had been waiting for. The stadium lights dropped, the roar rose like an ever-covering blanket to dry the faithful clean (whom had just been drenched by the thrill of Evanescence)……Metallica stormed the stage like conquering heroes. James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo wasted no time unleashing tracks from their back catalogue of grandeur, the set blended classic iconic metal seamlessly from their 44-year journey.
The crowd erupted as the first chords of Creeping death ripped through the air, followed by a blistering mix of new and old — Master of Puppets, Sad But True and Seek & Destroy. The faithful went mental as the intro rang loud for Fuel (the pyro was next level – fitting for the caliber of the song) then we sung along to Nothing else matters, One and Hollier than thou, it was such a star-studded song list.
The lads did a cover of The John Butler Trios Zebra which was something to behold…..surprizing good and funny! (cheekily done for Perth). Lachlan from Make Wish Foundation got a mention and huge roar from the supportive crowd. James shared his love for the Perth Metallica crowd – he asked a few questions wanting to know if it was anyone’s first time watching and thanked the repeat offenders who had seen them multiple times before.
They unleashed the super-sized 72 beachballs (at least at a guess maybe 30) which ignited the fans even more – it was pure chaos. Each song hit with that unmistakable Metallica precision: tight, loud, and flawlessly executed…… I had been listening to the tracks for so long…… watched numerous music video clips……. but now finally I could feel every bassline and percussion hit – it was magical and quite surreal…. what a moment!
Metallica was born in 1981, had its first major success in 1986 with “Master of Puppets” one of the most iconic albums to date. I don’t think anyone in this Stadium would not have had either the t-shirt (in their wardrobe) or the poster on their wall! and judging by what the crowd was wearing there were still quite a few still in circulation. You can really see why Metallica is a 10-time grammy award winner and has amassed over 163 million Album sales world-wide and counting.
The production was everything you’d expect from a Metallica world tour — massive visuals, searing flames, stadium-shaking bass, and lighting that painted the entire venue in gold and red “72 Seasons” hues. It was more than just a concert; it was an experience. Perth’s Optus Stadium was transformed into a temple of metal, and the worshippers came in their tens of thousands.
What stood out most wasn’t just the scale — it was the sincerity. Between the chaos and the thunder, Hetfield’s moments of connection with the crowd felt genuine, humble, and heartfelt. At the end of the spectacular set every induvial band member (James, Lars, Kirk and Robert) thanked the crowd – it was a very real exchange…… very classy indeed. You could feel the gratitude radiating from the stage to the sea of raised horns and flashing phones.
As the night came to a close, Metallica left the stage the same way they entered — with power, purpose, and pure love for the music that built them. Perth witnessed the beginning of the Australian chapter of 72 Seasons, and if tonight was anything to go by, the rest of the country better brace themselves…… because the “Sandman is coming” and he is taking no prisoners!!!
The Album “72 seasons” is breathtaking – something you can play in the car, the gym or even lying in bed. Make sure you check it out………. it will be an album to remember
Massive thank you to Optus Stadium, Live Nation, Revolutions Per Minute and the Metallica Team for the access, it truly was an incredible experience
