Metallica Live at the NEC Arena in Birmingham, England on October 6, 1996
Metallica Live
28 Feb 09:00 PM
Until 28 Feb, 11:45 PM 2h 45m

Metallica Live at the NEC Arena in Birmingham, England on October 6, 1996

MetalMania Live
Organized by MetalMania Live
Performers

On October 6, 1996, Metallica performed at the NEC Arena in Birmingham, England, as part of their Poor Touring Me tour. This leg of their world tour was in support of their Load and Reload albums, which had shifted the band’s sound slightly, embracing a more groove-based rock direction while still retaining the ferocity that had built their reputation.

The Poor Touring Me tour marked a critical time for Metallica, as they were at the height of their global fame, with a fan base that spanned continents. Their live shows were known for their intensity and were a major part of the band's appeal. The setlist for this night showcased a well-balanced blend of their new material and timeless classics, keeping the energy up throughout the entire performance.

Setlist Breakdown:

  1. So What
    The show kicked off with a bang, opening with "So What," the energetic track from their Garage Inc. album. This cover of the Anti-Nowhere League song set the tone for a high-energy performance.
  2. Creeping Death
    A staple from Ride the Lightning, "Creeping Death" was an early crowd favorite. The song’s chanting "Die! Die! Die!" became a massive sing-along moment, engaging the crowd right from the start.
  3. Sad But True
    From The Black Album, "Sad But True" brought a heavier, slower groove to the set. The track's immense, crushing riffs and dark lyrics showcased Metallica's ability to combine heaviness with catchiness.
  4. Ain't My Bitch
    A track from Load, "Ain't My Bitch" marked the band's exploration of a more bluesy, hard rock sound. Despite some fans’ mixed reactions to Load, this song was a heavy, no-nonsense cut that rocked the arena.
  5. Whiplash
    A classic from Kill 'Em All, "Whiplash" sped things up again, with its fast pace and thrash intensity. The crowd was alive with energy as they moshed to this old-school thrash anthem.
  6. Bleeding Me
    Another song from Load, "Bleeding Me" is an emotionally charged track, with a slightly slower pace compared to other songs in the set but powerful in its heaviness. The song highlighted Metallica’s ability to bring vulnerability and depth to their music.
  7. King Nothing
    From Load again, "King Nothing" brought a more melodic rock vibe, with its introspective lyrics and chugging rhythm, before heading into a powerful chorus. It was clear that Metallica was blending their classic thrash with a more mainstream, rock-oriented sound during this period.
  8. One
    A landmark track from ...And Justice for All, "One" brought an intense atmosphere with its haunting intro and the build-up to its crushing conclusion. The song's deeply personal, anti-war theme resonated just as strongly in 1996 as it did when it was first released.
  9. Devil's Dance
    From Reload, "Devil's Dance" added a heavy, groove-laden track to the set. It kept the audience headbanging and engaged, showcasing Metallica's continued growth and exploration of heavier rock tones.
  10. Nothing Else Matters
    The ballad that helped to expand Metallica’s audience, "Nothing Else Matters" brought a moment of calm to the set. The song’s emotional pull provided a perfect contrast to the earlier thrash-driven material.
  11. Until It Sleeps
    Another track from Load, "Until It Sleeps" explored themes of inner turmoil and was one of the more experimental songs from the Load era. Its darker tone was a stark departure from Metallica's earlier work, but it was well-received live.
  12. For Whom the Bell Tolls
    This early classic from Ride the Lightning was a crowd favorite, with its iconic opening bass line and heavy riff, making it one of the undeniable highlights of the evening.
  13. Wherever I May Roam
    From The Black Album, this song's exotic, tribal rhythms and memorable chorus kept the crowd in full swing. It’s a track that showcases Metallica's ability to mix different musical styles and still make them distinctly their own.
  14. Fade to Black
    The melancholic and emotional "Fade to Black" provided a somber moment, with its iconic intro leading
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