Breaking News: Two Metallica fans face arrest after a daring stunt at a recent concert in Perth, Australia. Imagine the scene: the roar of the crowd, the iconic riffs, and then... a pair of fans deciding to take their enthusiasm to new heights, literally!
On a Saturday night, during Metallica's electrifying performance at Optus Stadium, two individuals decided to climb the massive central tower that was part of the stage setup. This tower, adorned with colossal speaker stacks and attached to a platform, became their personal Everest.
According to reports, the two men, aged 20 and 23, were apprehended by the WA Police and charged with trespassing. They are now awaiting a court appearance.
But here's where it gets controversial... This incident occurred during the band's first Australian tour date, a show that featured a diverse setlist spanning Metallica's illustrious career. The setlist included songs from nine of their 11 albums, a treat for fans after a 12-year wait since their last Australian performance. Notably, despite the tour's promotion of their latest album, 72 Seasons (released in 2023), only one track from the album, Lux Æterna, was played.
This decision to offer a mixed setlist is understandable, considering the long hiatus. It's a testament to the band's connection with their fans and their desire to deliver a memorable experience.
In 2019, the band had to cancel a planned tour due to frontman James Hetfield entering rehab. Drummer Lars Ulrich reflected on this period in the official Metallica podcast, emphasizing the importance of supporting Hetfield. He stated that the band needed to give him the space he needed, and then, the pieces slowly came back together in the spring of 2020, only to be side-swiped by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.
Metallica's tour continues with a show in New Zealand on November 19, followed by performances in Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. They are scheduled to return to Europe and the UK next summer.
What do you think? Were the fans' actions simply misguided enthusiasm, or did they cross a line? Do you think Metallica's setlist choices were the right call for the Australian fans? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
