Metallica Live from the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, CA on December 21, 1996

Metallica's performance at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, California, was an electrifying showcase of the band’s unmatched energy, spanning their entire discography up to that point. This particular show was part of their Poor Touring Me tour, which supported their Load and Reload albums. The setlist, a mix of new hits and beloved classics, captured the spirit of the band in their prime—blending thrash with groove-heavy rock and moments of melodic introspection.
Setlist Breakdown:
- Last Caress
Metallica opened the night with a raucous rendition of "Last Caress," originally a Misfits cover. With its punk roots and fast tempo, it was an adrenaline-packed start to the show, riling up the crowd from the very first note. - Creeping Death
The thrash classic "Creeping Death" from Ride the Lightning quickly followed. The audience was already in full swing as they chanted along with the famous “Die! Die! Die!” line, setting the tone for an intense evening. - Sad But True
From The Black Album, "Sad But True" is one of Metallica's heaviest tracks, with its slow, crushing groove. The song’s deep riff and dark lyrics resonated powerfully, showing the band's ability to create atmosphere while maintaining intensity. - Ain't My Bitch
A track from Load, "Ain't My Bitch" gave the show a gritty, blues-infused rock edge. It’s a heavy, no-frills song that was perfect for the arena setting, adding diversity to the set. - Whiplash
The speed and ferocity of "Whiplash," from Kill 'Em All, sent the crowd into a frenzy. The thrash anthem's breakneck pace had everyone moshing and headbanging, reminding the audience of Metallica’s thrash roots. - Bleeding Me
A deep cut from Load, "Bleeding Me" offered a slower, more brooding moment during the show. The track’s melancholic feel stood out against the faster material, showing Metallica’s musical range. - King Nothing
Another song from Load, "King Nothing" carried a riff-driven groove that showcased the band's exploration of a more melodic, hard rock sound at the time. The song's introspective lyrics added emotional depth to the set. - One
This heavy, anti-war anthem from ...And Justice for All brought a sense of epic drama to the performance. The haunting intro, followed by the explosive middle section, drew huge cheers from the crowd, proving its lasting impact as one of Metallica's most iconic songs. - Devil's Dance
From Reload, "Devil's Dance" continued the heavier, groove-oriented vibe of the set. The song’s rhythmic, dark feel was a perfect fit for the energetic atmosphere of the Forum. - Nothing Else Matters
A massive contrast from the earlier tracks, "Nothing Else Matters" from The Black Album brought a softer, more introspective moment to the show. Its powerful melody resonated deeply with fans, creating a moment of unity and sing-along. - Until It Sleeps
A standout track from Load, "Until It Sleeps" brought a heavy groove with darker lyrics, capturing the band's shift toward a more mature, hard rock-oriented style. The song was met with enthusiasm from the crowd, bridging the new and old worlds of Metallica. - For Whom the Bell Tolls
The crowd erupted when the iconic bass intro of "For Whom the Bell Tolls" started. This classic from Ride the Lightning showed Metallica’s early thrash influences, with its galloping rhythm and unforgettable riff. - Wherever I May Roam
From The Black Album, "Wherever I May Roam" brought an exotic feel to the show, with its unique rhythms and soaring melodies. The song’s mix of introspective lyrics and heavy riffs made it a fan favorite. - Fade to Black
"Fade to Black," one of Metallica's most emotionally charged tracks, followed. The song’s melancholic intro and cathartic build-up brought the arena to a stillness before the climactic ending exploded into a sea of energy and passion. - Kill/Ride Medley
The "Kill/Ride Medley" was a fun, fast-paced segment in which Metallica performed brief excerpts from some of their early thrash anthems. It included snippets of "Ride the Lightning," "No Remorse," "Hit the Lights," "The Four Horsemen," "Seek & Destroy," and "Fight Fire With Fire." This medley was a thrilling blast from the past, packed with riffs that defined the band’s early sound.
Encore 1:
- So What
The band kicked off the encore with "So What," a cover of the Anti-Nowhere League song that had become a regular part of their set. The high-energy track kept the momentum going, with its punk-infused chaos and crowd interaction. - Master of Puppets
Metallica’s anthem “Master of Puppets” followed. The track’s technical riffing and epic structure made it one of the most celebrated songs in heavy metal. Its powerful performance at the Forum was a reminder of the band’s enduring mastery of thrash metal. - Enter Sandman
The massive hit "Enter Sandman" from The Black Album rounded out the main set. The song's iconic intro and heavy riff are instantly recognizable, making it one of Metallica's most popular and accessible tracks. It was the perfect closer for the main portion of the show.
Encore #2:
- Am I Evil?
The second encore kicked off with "Am I Evil?" a cover of the Diamond Head song. Metallica’s version of this classic was a raucous, thrashing affair that got the crowd headbanging with abandon. - Breadfan
Another cover, "Breadfan," originally by Budgie, was performed next. This song brought a frenetic energy, keeping the momentum going as the audience cheered on with excitement. - Overkill
The final track of the night was a cover of "Overkill" by Motörhead, which perfectly encapsulated the spirit of metal. It was an unrelenting and chaotic conclusion to an unforgettable night.
Legacy of the Show:
This performance at the Great Western Forum was a definitive moment in Metallica's career during the Poor Touring Me tour. It exemplified the band's ability to blend newer material from Load and Reload with their legendary thrash anthems. The mix of crushing riffs, emotional ballads, and energetic covers ensured that fans left the arena knowing they had witnessed something truly special. Metallica’s mastery of live performance, combined with their commitment to delivering a show for the ages, cemented their place as one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time.
