ABU DHABI: US heavy metal rockers Metallica treated their fans to a smorgasbord of their biggest hits from a career spanning 40 years, with an energy that shows no signs of slowing down, at the Abu Dhabi Formula One after-race concert at Etihad Park.
A full-on eruption of sound and visuals, the set lasted for nearly two hours, with the sexagenarians — returning to the capital after 2013 — not stopping for any breaks. From the moment the first chords struck of their first track of the night, “Creeping Death,” James Hetfield’s vocals dominated the atmosphere, proving once again why he remains one of rock’s most commanding frontmen.
And while they entertained the crowd with hit after hit, including “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Wherever I May Roam,” and “Seek and Destroy,” they saved the best for the last, rewarding their fans with a triple treat: “One,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Enter Sandman.”
But it wasn’t just the setlist that made the night extraordinary — it was the unmatched energy. The band played like they were feeding off every cheer, every raised metal sign, every head bang. The atmosphere was simply electric, in a way that only a legacy band like Metallica can conjure at this scale.
Layered atop the music was a visual spectacle worthy of the band’s legacy. Pyro lit up the stage throughout the night — towering flames, erupting fire bursts, synchronized flashes, and animated scenes that turned the performance into a cinematic show.
Powerful, immersive, and unforgettable, Metallica’s Abu Dhabi performance was a masterclass in how a legendary band continues to dominate.
