Metallica: The Seattle Concert That Changed Metal Forever
The Master of Puppets Tour: A Night of Unforgettable Music
On September 22, 1986, Metallica took the stage at the Seattle Center Coliseum for a concert that would forever etch their name in the annals of heavy metal history.
The Master of Puppets Tour had been a massive success, with the band selling out arenas across the country. But it was their Seattle performance that became the stuff of legend thanks to a combination of incredible music and a tragic event that unfolded on stage.
Leper Messiah: A Song That Shocked the Audience
Metallica's setlist that night included several of their most popular songs, including "Battery," "Seek & Destroy," and "Master of Puppets." But it was their performance of "Leper Messiah" that truly shocked the audience.
The song, which deals with the themes of leprosy and social isolation, was already dark and disturbing. However, during the Seattle concert, lead singer James Hetfield took it to a new level.
James Hetfield's Tragic Onstage Accident
During the performance of "Leper Messiah," Hetfield accidentally walked into a pyrotechnic display that had been set up on stage.
The flames engulfed Hetfield's left arm, causing severe burns. The band was forced to stop playing, and Hetfield was rushed to the hospital.
A Triumphant Return to the Stage
Despite his injuries, Hetfield returned to the stage later that night to finish the concert. With his arm bandaged, he delivered a blistering performance that left the audience in awe.
Metallica's Seattle concert was a night of unforgettable music and tragedy. It cemented the band's status as one of the greatest live acts in heavy metal history.
The Legacy of the Seattle Concert
The Seattle concert had a profound impact on Metallica's career.
The band's performance that night helped to solidify their reputation as one of the most intense and exciting live acts in the world. It also helped to promote their album Master of Puppets, which went on to become one of the best-selling metal albums of all time.
The concert also left a lasting mark on James Hetfield. The burns he suffered that night forced him to re-evaluate his stage persona and to become more aware of the dangers of pyrotechnics.
Today, the Seattle concert is remembered as one of the most important nights in Metallica's history. It was a night that changed metal forever.
Key Details of the Seattle Concert
- Date: September 22, 1986
- Venue: Seattle Center Coliseum
- Attendance: 15,000
- Setlist:
- "Battery"
- "Master of Puppets"
- "Leper Messiah"
- "Seek & Destroy"
- "Whiplash"
- "Damage, Inc."
- James Hetfield suffered burns to his left arm during the performance of "Leper Messiah."
- Despite his injuries, Hetfield returned to the stage to finish the concert.
Metallica's Impact on Seattle's Music Scene
Metallica's Seattle concert had a major impact on the city's music scene.
The band's success helped to put Seattle on the map as a major center for heavy metal music. It also inspired a new generation of Seattle musicians, including grunge icons Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
Today, Seattle is known for its vibrant and diverse music scene. The city is home to a number of world-renowned music venues, including the Showbox and the Crocodile Cafe.
Metallica's legacy in Seattle is undeniable. The band's concert at the Seattle Center Coliseum helped to shape the city's music scene and to inspire a generation of musicians.
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