James Hetfield Defies Time with Explosive “Master of Puppets” Finale at Metallica’s Philadelphia Show – May 23, 2025

On May 23, 2025, Metallica unleashed a sonic storm at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, delivering a “Master of Puppets” performance that left jaws on the floor. As part of their massive M72 World Tour, the show was the first of a two-night “No Repeat Weekend,” ensuring no song would be played twice. The anticipation in the air was electric, and fans were ready for a legendary night.

The ritualistic opening—AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” followed by Ennio Morricone’s “The Ecstasy of Gold”—set the tone with cinematic grandeur. Then, with the lights crashing and the stage erupting, Metallica tore into “Creeping Death,” a fierce reminder of why they continue to dominate the live scene even after four decades.

Their setlist was a masterclass in balancing eras. “Harvester of Sorrow,” “Holier Than Thou,” and “King Nothing” thundered through the stadium, showing their classic grit and groove. Each track came alive with fresh aggression, yet stayed faithful to the original fire that made them metal icons in the first place.

Songs from their latest 2023 album 72 Seasons were not fillers—they stood tall. “If Darkness Had a Son” and “72 Seasons” itself roared through the crowd like instant anthems. Even skeptical older fans were seen headbanging along, proving the band’s evolution still commands respect.

Then came “Orion.” The instrumental from Master of Puppets offered a breathless, almost spiritual interlude. Lights pulsed softly, and fans swayed, many remembering Cliff Burton, whose legacy remains imprinted in every note. The moment felt sacred, a pause before more thunder rolled in.

One unique feature of this tour is the “Kirk and Rob Doodle,” a tradition where Hammett and Trujillo riff off each other in an improvised tribute. That night in Philly, they chose to honor Cliff again with a brief yet emotional rendition of “To Live Is to Die.” The crowd responded with silent reverence before exploding into cheers.

The encore was nothing short of fan-service gold. “Nothing Else Matters” swept the audience into a slow, heartfelt singalong, while “Sad but True” rumbled like an earthquake. But the true peak was still to come—“Master of Puppets.” When those iconic notes began, 70,000 fists shot into the air.

“Master of Puppets” wasn’t just played. It was summoned, resurrected. James Hetfield’s voice was sharper than ever, and Lars Ulrich’s drums hammered down like war cannons. The sound was monstrous, the lighting coordinated to mimic the song’s descent into chaos. Fans screamed every word—this was the moment they came for.

To sweeten the night, Metallica also leaned into local culture. They dropped limited edition merch at the pop-up shop outside the venue, including a cheesesteak-inspired poster and Eagles-themed shirts. It was a nod to Philly pride, and fans snapped them up before doors even opened.

The band’s “Snake Pit” stage design brought intimacy to the madness. Placed centrally, it allowed fans from every angle to feel immersed in the action. No matter where you were seated—or standing—you felt like you were part of the performance, not just a spectator.

What made this performance unforgettable wasn’t just the setlist or production. It was the energy. Every member of the band gave 110%, from Trujillo’s relentless bass gallop to Hammett’s surgical solos. They didn’t just play— they communicated, screamed, and celebrated through their instruments.

It’s worth noting how Metallica continues to evolve. They’ve never rested on nostalgia alone. Instead, they layer in new music with the same reverence as old hits. “72 Seasons” doesn’t feel like an afterthought—it feels like the next chapter of a band that refuses to slow down.

The crowd itself deserves mention. From teenagers attending their first show to old-school fans in vintage Ride the Lightning shirts, every face was lit up with awe. The communal chants, the circle pits, the sea of devil horns—it was a metal congregation, and Metallica was its high priest.

As “Seek & Destroy” closed the night with brutal precision, it was clear this wasn’t just a show—it was a moment in music history. Fans left hoarse, sweat-drenched, and grinning. No one left disappointed. Everyone knew they’d witnessed one of Metallica’s greatest live performances of the decade.

For all their accomplishments, Metallica remains hungry. Their performance at Lincoln Financial Field was proof they’re not living off legacy—they’re still building it. And if “Master of Puppets” that night was any indication, the masters are still pulling strings with unparalleled power.