Metallica played its first show in quite a while last night in Los Angeles at the intimate Wiltern Theater. The show served as a benefit for the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a nonprofit music school co-founded by Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea. However, Metallica did not premiere any new tunes. Instead, they chose to focus on the classics, giving fans nearly two hours of prime cuts like "For Whom the Bell Tolls," "Sanitarium," "Master of Puppets," "Battery," "Fight Fire with Fire" (featuring Flea) and "Seek and Destroy."
“It feels good to play live again,” singer/guitarist James Hetfield told the packed audience in L.A., according to Billboard.com. “We haven’t played here in a long time.” Additionally, drummer Lars Ulrich announced that the band will follow the September release of its as-yet-untitled album with a tour in October.
Next up for Metallica is Tucson's KFMA Day (May 16), KROQ/Los Angeles' Weenie Roast (May 17) and the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Tennessee (June 13). The band also will play the one-day Ozzfest in Dallas, August 9.
As previously reported, Metallica just launched a new Web site, MissionMetallica.com, which offers fans an inside look at the making of the new album. The band has posted a teaser video of them working in the studio which offers clips of riffs and new music. The band also promises "fly on the wall" footage of writing and recording, unique live tracks, exclusive studio photos and the ability to win backstage passes for every show this summer.
