May 23, 2025 – Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field became a crucible of nostalgia and raw power as Metallica’s M72 World Tour descended upon the city. For those of us who cut our teeth on the gritty sounds of early Metallica and the angst-driven anthems of the ’90s grunge era, this night was a visceral reminder of why we fell in love with heavy music in the first place.
Photos + Article by Keith Baker ( @avgjoe_photo )
Limp Bizkit: Embracing the Storm
As the skies opened up, drenching the crowd in a relentless downpour, Limp Bizkit took the stage with unyielding fervor. Their setlist was a time capsule of late ’90s and early 2000s nu-metal, featuring hits like “My Way,” “Nookie,” and “Break Stuff.” The rain seemed to energize both the band and the audience, turning the field into a muddy mosh pit of shared rebellion.
Fred Durst, ever the showman, leaned into the chaos, delivering a performance that was both chaotic and cathartic. Notably, their rendition of “Hot Dog” included a snippet of Metallica’s “Creeping Death,” a nod that bridged the generational gap between the bands.
Metallica: Masters of Metal
As the rain subsided, the anticipation reached a fever pitch. The familiar strains of AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” and Ennio Morricone’s “The Ecstasy of Gold” signaled the arrival of the titans. Opening with “Creeping Death,” Metallica immediately asserted their dominance, unleashing a nearly three-hour barrage of classics and deep cuts.
The setlist was a masterclass in metal history:
- “Harvester of Sorrow” and “Holier Than Thou” brought the thunderous groove that defined their early ’90s era.
- “King Nothing” and “Sad but True” showcased their mid-career evolution, blending melody with menace.
- Newer tracks like “72 Seasons” and “If Darkness Had a Son” proved that Metallica remains a creative force, unafraid to explore new sonic territories.
“Orion” was a poignant tribute to the late Cliff Burton, with the band locking into a hypnotic groove that held the audience in rapt attention. “Nothing Else Matters” provided a moment of introspection, its haunting melody resonating deeply. The set culminated in a ferocious trifecta: “Fuel,” “Seek & Destroy,” and the immortal “Master of Puppets,” each delivered with a ferocity that belied the band’s decades-long tenure.
A Night Etched in Metal
For those of us who grew up in the grunge era, who found solace in the raw emotion of early Metallica, this night was a reaffirmation of the power of live music. The rain, the riffs, the communal energy—it all coalesced into an experience that transcended time.
Metallica remains not just relevant, but essential. Their music continues to inspire, to challenge, and to unite. And for the first of two unforgettable nights, we were all part of something greater—a testament to the enduring spirit of metal.
