Concert Review: Metallica at Bank of America Stadium – A Thunderous Return to Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, NC — Under a humid Carolina sky, Metallica brought the thunder to Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, turning uptown Charlotte into a metal mecca. Touring in support of their M72 World Tour, the legendary quartet delivered a performance that was as loud, raw, and precise as anything in their four-decade career.
As part of their globe-spanning M72 World Tour, the band brought a production that matched their sound: massive, relentless, and unforgettable. Performing in a unique in-the-round stage setup that sat in the center of the stadium, Metallica turned the football field into a 360-degree vortex of lights, fire, and fury.
Opening with the galloping riffs of “Creeping Death,” Metallica wasted no time kicking things into high gear. James Hetfield’s growl was in fine form, slicing through the humid Charlotte air like a serrated blade. Kirk Hammett’s solos screamed with precision, Lars Ulrich hammered away with primal energy, and Robert Trujillo’s low-end rumble glued it all together.
The crowd of 82,000 which is the most for any concert in the stadium’s history responded in kind moshing, singing, and headbanging in every direction. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of the band’s four-decade legacy. As the band started playing Nothing Else Matters is started to rain but just as the song ended so did the rain. What an experience for the oversized black and yellow beach balls that said 72 world tour that got tossed around while playing Seek & Destroy
The setlist was a well-crafted mix of old-school anthems and cuts from 2023’s 72 Seasons. Songs like “Lux Æterna” and “Screaming Suicide” fit surprisingly well alongside juggernauts like “Sad But True”, “One”, and “Seek & Destroy.”
Perhaps the night’s most jaw-dropping moment came with “Master of Puppets,” which sent the stadium into synchronized chaos. From the pit to the upper decks, it was clear: this was church for metalheads.
Metallica’s production is second to none. The in-the-round setup meant there wasn’t a bad seat in the house, and the band made sure to move constantly, engaging fans from all sides. Giant screens, pyrotechnics, and lasers enhanced every note—without ever overshadowing the music.
There were minor critiques to be had sound was occasionally uneven in the higher rows, and a few newer tracks didn’t quite hit with the same weight live but these were mere blips in an otherwise airtight performance.
In the end, Metallica proved once again that age is just a number and metal is forever. Their Charlotte show was a masterclass in stamina, showmanship, and sonic assault. Whether you were a lifelong fan or a first-timer, Saturday night was a reminder: Metallica still rules the metal throne.
Setlist Highlights:
- Creeping Death
- For Whom the Bell Tolls
- Lux Æterna
- Fade to Black
- Master of Puppets
- Enter Sandman
