Simon Rushworth
It’s been officially designated Metallica Day on rushonrock as the thrash beasts roll into Tyneside to play the Metro Radio Arena for the first time in many a long year.
Having witnessed James and the boys lay waste to Leeds last summer it’s safe to say we can expect something very special from one of 2008’s top selling acts. And the fact Metallica have brought young upstarts The Sword and en vogue metal kings Machine Head along for the ride really is an added bonus. We’re expecting a slew of Metallica tracks from newie Death Magnetic plus the usual glut of Greatest Hits but it seems the set will differ markedly from that seen at last summer’s festival shows. Just how Machine Head approach their support slot so soon after impressing December’s Slipknot crowd remains to be seen but it should be very loud and very heavy.
And The Sword might be new to the big stages and big crowds but their big sound – hewn straight from an Iron Maiden manual and highlights of the NWOBHM – will fill the Arena just fine. Look out for the first review right here tonight.