Photos by Oscar Herrera
If you’ve ever wondered whether a metal show could feel like a family reunion, Metallica proved it could on June 14 at NRG Stadium.
With legendary support from Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies, setting the stage ablaze, the night was more than just a concert. It was a celebration of heavy metal unity.
Metallica’s return to Houston wasn’t just about performing. It was about connection, energy and memories that stick long after the last note fades.
From the very first riff of “Creeping Death,” the crowd exploded.
It was clear this wasn’t going to be just another Metallica show. The place was alive. You could feel it in the air, see it in the faces of fans who’d been waiting years for this night.
Tracks like “For Whom The Bell Tolls” and “Ride the Lightning” brought the house down. Fans screamed the lyrics and thrashed along to every riff, celebrating some of Metallica’s best-known classics.
“The Memory Remains” got an extended outro, with the crowd joining in for a hauntingly beautiful sing-along. When James Hetfield stepped back and let the fans fill in the gaps, the entire stadium felt united as one.
The set wasn’t all old-school, though.
Songs from their recent album, “72 Seasons,” such as “Lux Æterna” and “If Darkness Had a Son,” brought a new fire to the show. They fit perfectly in the set, proving Metallica still has it in them.
Then, there was the fun bit with Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo doing their ‘doodle’ where they riffed on “Hit the Lights” and ZZ Top’s “La Grange.”
The real heart-melting moment came just after “Nothing Else Matters.”
The band took a moment to introduce Alex, a young Make-A-Wish Foundation winner in the crowd who had just beaten cancer.
The cheers were deafening as Alex was spotlighted on the screens, visibly overwhelmed with joy.
Metallica’s connection with their fans, especially in these moments, is something truly special. The rest of the set was just that—truly special.
“Sad but True,” “One” and “Seek & Destroy” had the crowd going crazy. “Master of Puppets” and “Enter Sandman” closed things out.
Metallica was at the top of their game.
It was clear they had as much of a good time as those in the crowd.
The Snake Pit fans had a night they’ll never forget. The band took time to recognize some of the long-time fans. Some described the experience as “unreal.”
A few hugs and a few moments to make the fans feel appreciated is the kind of connection that sets Metallica apart from any other band.
Outside of the music, there were pop-up shops giving everyone the chance to snag exclusive merch, including some killer artwork by Vance Kelly (@vance_kelly). Fans lined up for hours to grab collectible prints, shirts and memorabilia.
Forty-four years in, Metallica shows no signs of slowing down. They’re still the reigning kings of metal with the most thrilling shows.
At NRG Stadium, the night was electric and full of magic, from the music to the moments shared between the band and their fans. And if the screams echoing into the humid summer night were any indication, the Metallica family only keeps growing stronger.
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