Ahead of their upcoming concert at Slane Castle, I take look at some of the most remarkable Metallica concerts in their history, starting with the Monsters of Rock Festival in Moscow.
In 1991, The Soviet Union collapsed. This ushered in a new era for the world and more importantly, it ushered in a new way of life for the millions that were trapped behind the iron curtain.
Under Gorbachev, a policy called Glasnost was introduced in Russia. It was a way of opening Russia to new political and social ideas. It was Russia opening the door to the west and their way of living. Whilst Russia still has problems to this day, mainly with racism and homophobia, the country has adapted to modern western living, the success of the world cup this summer is an example of how far Russia has come.
The World Cup Final - Photo credit: sputniknews.com
One of the first examples of Russia accepting the west was the hosting of the Monsters of Rock Festival in 1991. At the Tushino airfield in Moscow on September 28 1991, a huge host of rock and metal bands played to a welcoming Russian crowd. E.S.T., The Black Crowes, Pantera, Metallica and AC/DC as headliners were on the bill.
Metallica have played some unique and interesting concerts in their near 40 year career. They've played in Tuktoyaktuk in the arctic circle, they've played on an Argentinian base in Antarctica and the arena of Nimes, a Roman amphitheatre. However, their set at Tushino is one of the most remarkable concerts due to the nature of the show.
The attendance of the concert in Moscow remains a mystery to this day. Some estimate that there was half a million people in attendance that day, some suggest that it was closer to 1.5 million people. The concert was free for everyone as it was to be a party to celebrate the new Russia.
The young crowd at Tushino. Photo Credit: atlantic.com
The crowd at Tushino Photo credit: 9gag.com
Another remarkable aspect to this concert was the presence of the army and their helicopters. As is the norm nowadays in Russia, there was a huge military presence at the Tushino concert, however, the behaviour of the army was far from the norm nowadays in Russia. Many of the armed forces that day had never experienced a metal concert, never experienced a mosh pit. Whilst some stayed on duty, some decided to get in on the act and enjoy themselves, as seen in the video below.
Speaking to ozy.com Hetfield stated " “After, like, three or four songs, they’re like, ‘Fuck this!’” “They took off their stuff, and they’re out there head-banging and having a good time.”
Army helicopters can be seen in the video below.
The huge, imposing presence of the army and their helicopters, the endless sea of people and an electric powerful performance from Metallica makes it one of their most remarkable and unique concerts they've ever played.
The setlist that day
Photo credit: setlist.fm
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