That's A Wrap! Metallica's Australian and New Zealand Tour Ends; Fans & Musicians React

As the curtain closes on Metallica's EPIC Australia and New Zealand return, we can't help but reflect on the time dubbed "Metal Christmas" as the awesome foursome and tour supports head back home for some R&R (well, everyone except the Trujillos).

The monstrous tour package tore up stages across both countries marking Metallica's first shows down under since Soundwave 2013. That's an insane amount of time to be waiting for the biggest band in the world to catch up with their Southern Hemisphere fanbase.

But, not only did the fans turn out in droves, we brought our friends and family to reveal in the awesomeness that James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Rob Trujillo delivered night after night - with plenty of surprises along the way. Revisit our Sydney Review & Gallery here.

Before we close this chapter, we reached out to the WoS Family, Aussie musicians and metal identities as well as the bands on the tour package to find out their thoughts on the triumphant return of the biggest metal band in universe and their response to the tour...

PERTH - November 1st

Stu McGill // Silent Knight (guitarist)

From the opening 4 count of 'Creeping Death', I was smiling ear to ear for the entire Perth show. The band were relaxed, happy & showing their gratitude for the reception they received by finally bringing their stadium tour to Perth after an unfortunate 11th hour cancellation in 2019.

The whole production was amazing and the performance was fantastic. Sure, the setlist was missing some songs I would have loved to hear, but that's just me being picky. The fact they had to pack in songs spanning a 42 year career means you'll always miss something. Let's hope we all get one more go at this someday.

Birth. School. Metallica. Death.

Dave Mullins  // WoS Writer

I can still remember the first time I heard Metallica. It was the early ‘90s, and a friend of my brother was trying to convince me that this ‘new band’ he had found was worth listening to. He played me 'The Unforgiven' and I was instantly hooked. I became a fan that day and never looked back. Flash forward to 30-odd years later and a chance encounter led to me spending the afternoon with Kirk and his entourage on their day off in Perth. Kirk is a lovely guy and it was great to see him get a day off to relax and enjoy what Perth has to offer.

Being the extremely cool people that they are, I was lucky enough to get thrown on the guest list for their show in Melbourne, including Black Box lounge and Snake Pit passes—a fan’s wildest dream. Walking around the lounge is surreal, there’s decades worth of memorabilia to see.

Original handwritten song lyrics, music industry awards, clothing they wore on tour, and their actual instruments that you can pick up and play! It’s unimaginably cool.

They have multiple guitars and basses hooked up to full pedal boards and iPads so you can play along to your favourite songs. There’s even one of Lars’ drum kits you can play on.

But as cool as all of that stuff was, there was one reason I was there, the thing that had everyone from the front of the barriers right up to the nosebleeds screaming. The band that defined thrash, sold metal to the masses, and created a fandom so large and diverse that it spans every living generation and every continent on the planet. Metallica, in all their glory, on stage and loud as hell. “Die! Die! Die!” 60,000 people screaming along to one of the greatest metal songs of all time – it’s an insane thing to bear witness to.

The entire stadium is shaking, and fans are going wild as they blast through classic after classic. It's a perfect setlist. The surprise standout was 'The Memory Remains', certainly a song I liked, but one that went way harder live than I would have expected.

The night is much more than a live show, it’s a performance. There’s pyrotechnics, massive screens, and the entire band, including Lars, moving around to perform from different parts of the stage. It’s huge, extravagant, and chaotic with so many surprises. Getting to stand behind Lars as he played the iconic double kick section of 'One' is something I really never expected –but it was such a cool moment. The band locking in as Kirk flies into the tapping solo and brings it all home.

Holy fuck, what a night.

ADELAIDE - November 5th

Kayla Hamilton // WoS Writer

I may be the music journalist, but my Mum was the one who graciously took me to Metallica. Makes sense, since it was she who introduced them to me in the first place! Splurging for the ‘ONE’ Advanced Experience (which was part of my parents' 40th wedding anniversary deal), we got to head in early and chill out in the lounge.

The package got us some complimentary drinks and nibbles, had photoshoots on sets based on album covers, and let us gaze upon some of Metallica’s touring instruments and memorabilia. When it was time for the show, it truly was jaw-dropping from start to finish.

From my Mum fist-pumping during Suicidal Tendencies, my sobbing during Evanescence, and the two of us headbanging, screaming along, and cheering our hearts out to the legendary heavyweight act, it certainly was a ride.

Metallica were on point, the fireworks were a nice touch, and we (arguably) got the best setlist of the whole Aussie run. Now that’s going to be a core memory.

‍MELBOURNE - November 8th

‍Chris Maric // Publicist

Ageing metalheads like myself have had a busy month. My first live experience with Metallica was way back in 1993, yeah the purists will cite the AJFA tour as their first moment but I was 12 when that was happening and was into Bon Jovi. By '93, I was in Year 11 and a fully fledged member of the Met Club and nearly broke my neck headbanging at the Sydney Entertainment Centre with my friends and a freshly shorn Jason Newstead. I never got to see that windmill of his flying in the flesh. The fever surrounding shows back then was electric. Chinatown in Sydney was under siege with thousands of metalheads, the chain link fence separating the mobs from the backstage carpark was like a scene from a horror movie and all that was in the way between us and our rock gods. Occasionally they’d come over to that fence after a show before getting in their vans and sign stuff and say hi. The Pantera and Slayer shows in the 90’s were just as crazy and nothing can compare to that energy.

The next time Metallica rolled through town was ’98 and somehow I was down the front which was a weird experience as it was their most subdued era and well, standing at eye level with their feet and not being able to see the whole stage doesn't make for the greatest experience if you want to cut loose.

By 2003 my career in music was well and truly established and I was the promotions manager at Universal. St Anger comes around and I’m the most excitable person in the building considering I got into this line of work purely cause of Lars Inc.

Back then a VIP Staffer from the US office would literally fly over with a CD of the new album in a briefcase handcuffed to their wrist and play it for us in the boardroom before release (they did the same thing with Limp Bizkit’s Results May Vary which is an entirely other story).

Cue the first notes of 'Frantic', my director is across from me at the big boardroom table and along with 30 other people is staring at me and waiting for my reaction as ’the metal guy’. Well, honestly, I thought the stereo system was wired up wrong cause just what was I hearing? I gave her the Wayne’s World cringey thumbs up and somehow still managed to get Feature Album on Triple J with the album. Thank you Richard Kingsmill.

The following year in early 2004 everything came to a head when Metallica headlined TWO Big Day Out’s in Sydney. I got to work with my Idols doing promo stuff and went a bit Fan Boy in front of Lars as I've managed to tell both him and GNR’s Steven Adler directly that they are the reason I play drums. Lars kinda rolled his eyes and I felt totally stupid but there you go.

Those BDO shows however, marked a significant change in Tallica’s live show for the next decade I reckon. They were incredibly sloppy and it was around then that Lars decided to just add in extra snare hits and tom rolls cause he was bored with how the songs go. Maybe? I know cause a bunch of us were in the field air drumming to 'Creeping Death' and he was nowhere near what we were doing. It definitely made for a weird vibe as this was the time that all the Some Kind Of Monster drama was happening so maybe that had something to do with it too? Either way, it was Metallica going through the motions at that point.

Soundwave 2013 and arguably the peak year of that sadly long gone festival. 3 of The Big 4 were in the house, Megadave was noticeably absent and it would’ve been awesome to have them all here. Alas, standing side of stage and then in between the pit and the front of the stage at three separate SW shows while Metallica played was one of the highlights of my musical life. By this time, Metallica are coming very very close to a Greatest Hits act and like many of their peers, they all end up that way simply because their new stuff just doesn't match the old. If it did, they’d add it in. Which is why so many were pissed off when they had to cancel in 2019 as Hardwired... To Self Destruct is easily the bands best work since the ‘Black’ Album and in my option is far superior to 72 Seasons! It was the perfect summation of the bands career - nods to the old school, some double kick power (that was on time!) memorable harmonies and a bit of the old Jaymz back, especially on the massive, 'Spit Out The Bone'.

Having to wait 12 long years for Metallica to return to Australia means that I believed the crowd when it looked like over half of them at the Melbourne show raised their hands when Papa Het asked if this was their first time seeing the band. I took my 18 year old daughter along and it was her first time too (my 10th) she loved it, she loved singing along to '...Puppets' and 'Unforgiven' and well, everything. So did I, although from the seats, its a little sad to see everyone sitting on their ass instead of jumping out of their chairs - I even saw one guy ask another in front of him to sit down! Really? Are our backs and knees that bad that we can only relive our youths inside our head while a CD perfect band plays out of the PA? No you're not banging your head against the stage like you never did before but we aren't dead yet!

I also love the fact that my kid is literally into the same stuff I was at her age. The only difference is back then it pissed parents off and was widely anti-social. Explaining what the PMRC was to my teenage daughter while she shows me some crass shit on TikTok is quite hilarious. Half of me is chuffed that metal is now a multi generational bonding experience, but the other half wants the underground back and to still hold a middle finger to society.

While the band played 90% the same set on the tour, only leaving room for a few surprises, those surprises were great. I was content with the Melbourne set being a very mid paced (but awesomely massive sounding) affair as it showed me that if they keep that level up, they’ve got at least another decade in them. However, I then saw them bust out Blackened in NZ and it sounded great so maybe on occasion they can up the velocity. I think Metallica in their early 60’s has had a new fire lit under them. For them it's now purely for the love of playing. We do get the G rated version but again the old school version of Jaymz and AlcoholicA is long gone, just like me at 48 is nothing like me at 22. If you want that, just put on the Live in Seattle 1989 show from the Binge and Purge Boxset. Not only is that peak Metallica, it’s peak metal. Period.

‍BRISBANE - November 12th

Paul 'Browny' Brown // WoS CEO & Editor

You don't really watch a Metallica show, you experience it shoulder to shoulder with the familia and that's exactly how my brother Jesse and I soaked up his first chance to see the metal gods up close. Having bonded over Metallica during their Fortnite takeover, the look on his face when we were shoulder to shoulder with fellow fans in the Snakepit is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

Being invited by Kirk to join the chaos still blows my mind, but it proves just how kind and hospitable the band are even after all these years and their status in the heavy music scene. We can learn a lot about Metallica's generosity.

The setlist was all the classics, but getting to hear 'Ride The Lightning' with those LED screen visuals unlocked a core memory for life. I was hoping we'd get 'All Nightmare Long', but witnessing the trio guitar attack during 'The Day That Never Comes' more than made up for the omission of my all-time fav Metallica song.

Also, from an accessibility point of view; taking my brother (who has issues with large crowds and moshpits) meant he could experience the show up close without cause for concern, and could be himself surrounded by other likeminded metalheads.

That's another special thing that made this tour hit home even harder.

‍Kristian Hopes // Grinspoon (drummer)

The all-time most consistent and awesome gods of true Metal!

I took my drummer son Harry for his first Metallica experience into the 🐍 pit..

Openers Suicidal got the crowd vibed (great to see Jay Weinberg play🥁) then Evanescence had some big singalongs and into the Metallica machine!

Last show I saw them was at the Brisbane Ent Cent in 2010 but the 🐍 pit was next level! We were right in the middle of the stage and a few meters away from the band in all directions. Seeing Lars do his thing up close was amazing for both us! I stand for Lars! 💪🥁

The whole show start to finish was incredible.. Long live the kings of Metal! 🤘😎🤘

SYDNEY - November 15th

DC Steffe // Snake Bite Whisky (guitarist)

From my first baptism by fire watching Metallica at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at 16, to now, nearly 40 shows later, the most staggering thing is that they somehow keep getting bigger. Not necessarily faster (though the thrash titans can still dial up the aggression) but monumentally more global in their reach and the sheer scale of the spectacle.

While I wasn't there for the Kill 'Em All origins, I've witnessed their evolution since the mid-'90s into the definitive icons of heavy metal. I've been lucky enough to check off Wembley, the O2 in Berlin, Shanghai's Mercedes-Benz Arena, S&M 2 in San Francisco and even the jaw-dropping experience of hearing Master of Puppets played in full.

But what these recent Australian shows confirmed is that their passion (for the recent album material and the timeless classics) is at an all-time high. Even after four decades, the 'Tallica boys look like they are genuinely having the time of their lives, and that raw, infectious joy is amplified into the audience.

The blinding flash of the pyro, the slicing lasers, the roar of thousands of voices united in a chorus of 'Seek & Destroy'; it’s all epic, of course.

Yet, the real magic is seeing Hetfield, Ulrich, Hammett, and Trujillo smiling, goofing off, and thriving on the energy. It conveys a band utterly comfortable at the pinnacle, celebrating their status as the unchallenged kings atop the mountain we all call heavy metal.

‍

Michael 'Piky' White - (Arguably) Australia's Biggest Metallica Fan!

Metallica have been part of my life from the moment my brother and I were gifted ReLOAD on cd as very young and impressionable kids. I was 9? Jeez….. I’ve never actually looked back, and age checked that. 28 years ago. That hurts my back.

I’ve been lucky enough to have seen the band 13 times now and the more recent five included a lap around Australia. Perth – Adelaide – Melbourne – Brisbane – Sydney. Six flights, 1 Damage Inc Set, Hotels, Airports, Couches, Mates houses. Most importantly thought was the amount of people I got to meet and engage with from all around the world.

A very kind mate had won the Metallica Club Fifth Member contest and had won the chance to meet the band and have mate come along for the ride. Lars, Rob and Kirk made two very excited Metallica nerds the happiest guys in the world. We had a 5–10-minute chat with all of them individually, it was the most surreal 30 mins. They say ‘never meet your idols’ well…. they were wrong.

I went into the tour knowing that it was likely going to be a safe run for the band. It’s been 12 long years since their Soundwave 2013 appearance (R.I.P Soundwave) and they seem to have upgraded their very powerful position on top of ‘Heavy Metal’ since then. 2010 saw a bunch of Arena shows for the Death Magnetic, 2013 was a festival headlining set, and in 2025 they took on Aussie Stadiums. Packing more fans in such an outlying market surely means more classics, friendlier songs and less deep cuts….. The only thing I wanted from the band was a song I hadn’t heard live before (Minus new songs. Post-Death Magnetic would all be new for me)

The temptation to go to New Zealand was intense. I had a ticket to the show through the I Disappear ticket. Unfortunately, my run ends in Sydney. Thirteen shows. At least I’m not ending this run on 49 shows like this guy named Jimmy we met in the Snake Pit in Perth.

Meeting the chapter heads. Australian Anesthesia, Melbourne Militia and Acting Like a Tasmaniac put lots of effort into bringing comradery to the tour. They are a visible part of the show, at every show and Damage Inc sideshow.

They just do a great job of keeping fans connected and bring them together at shows. The tour would not have been what it was without them.

The I Disappear crew, both the Facebook page and just the people I saw at every show. We are a special bunch.

Georgia Haskins - WoS Gen Z Contingency

After thriving at the boomer fest that was Oasis, I finally pulled the trigger on getting a Metallica ticket - half due to fomo, the other half inspired to see a band that has since formed generations worth of the music I love. With heavy clouds threatening to pour on punters and crowds amassing with angst as rumours swirled of the doors not opening, it was clear to see that the community extended far beyond old thrash dads. Everywhere I looked, children younger than me stood next to their parentals, the hits engrained into their very core, like Hetfield took over step-dad duties from time to time. My night quickly became more than I bargained for, latching onto my favourite metal bogan, Duane.

As I made my way to my now non-nosebleed seat, the feeling of anticipation and appreciation became infectious. The self-proclaimed righteousness of the ST gang had me chuckling as Cyco Mike and a handful of bandana-clad men shouted and jolted. Evanescence flooded me with all the feelings- primarily that of being locked out of the room when my sister and her best friend played Singstar and butchered ‘Bring Me To Life’, because apparently you can be “too young” to sing. How the tables turn as I facetimed my sister for ‘Call Me When You’re Sober’ (this is me publicly proclaiming how good a sister I am).

Finally, it was time for the metal Gods, Metallica. The lights and blaring sound were incredible, but for me, tonight’s kicker was seeing the reaction of the people around me witnessing such a pivotal band at perhaps their most consuming. Merch, image and sound, Metallica are now a staple, undergoing a metamorphosis of identity, going from once hell bound devil worshippers to a band my Dad was now proud I was seeing. I was watching as Dads held their sons, wives and husbands celebrated their wedding anniversaries bound through music, or as my friends stood up in awe with tears in their eyes. It was as entertaining as it was heartwarming. The setlist was absolutely packed - every time you thought you could sit down, you would be met with this awkward half squat, only to stand straight back up and shove the person next to you. From the staples to the songs that inherently made them, it was a showcase of Metallica, at their very best.

There was no song more invigorating than ‘Creeping Death’. Thousands of peoples chanting “die” and animalistic growls roaring throughout the stadium- is there anything better than live music?

At the end of the show, if you stayed for a few minutes, the band returned to the stage, being silly and showing their appreciation that extended beyond their professional persona. It was clear the unification here tonight was that of a family bond, and you could now never escape.

THE TOUR SUPPORT BANDS

Jay Weinberg // Suicidal Tendencies (drummer)

It really is like a family affair that just couldn't be any more welcoming, more hospitable, kind, helpful, all those things.

Touring with Metallica has really been such a joy. They lead by example in how they operate, how they help the bands that they're on tour with, and they just bring the house down every night.

Relating it to the last year, playing some really fun club shows with Infectious [Grooves] to now sharing the stage with Suicidal [Tendencies] and Metallica really covers the gamut of - it's my opinion that Australia has some of the best rock and metal fans in the world.

And so to be able to do both those things, play intimate clubs with Infectious Grooves, play these giant stadiums with Suicidal and Metallica, it's a great joy. So we're really fortunate to be able to do all of it.

Will Hunt // Evanescence (drummer)

When I heard that we had been offered the tour it was surreal to say the least - the biggest metal band of all time - my high school heroes - what’s us to tour with them??? Holy shit!!! Yeah - I was absolutely elated. I mean hanging with Hetfield, Lars - just a crazy pinch me moment. Those guys were heroes to me when I was coming up. To be hanging with them as peers on the same tour was quite an “is this really happening” experience - amazing!

Nothing less than incredible. We had a lot of fans out there, but when you do things like this you truly hope to make new ones, and I think we absolutely did.

The Aussie and Kiwi crowds were just phenomenal - SO amazing to get to play for so many beautiful people.

‍Tye Trujillo // Suicidal Tendences (bassist)

The reactions have been incredible. Everybody just breaks loose and it's just amazing. ‍It's been great. I mean, every time I come here, I always have a great time.

I take in the whole Australian experience. I just try to explore everywhere and just love taking in the energy from the crowd too. So it's been incredible, man.

I think tour is a whole mindset in general where you kind of have to save your energy for the show. I try to cram in a bunch of fun stuff to do out here because this is a great country and beautiful country, so I balance it out.

'Til next time; sleep with one eye open, gripping your pillow tight.

Thanks for coming back, Metallica.