Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” Ignites 60,000 Voices During Their 2025 Stop at Lincoln Financial Field

On May 25, 2025, Metallica tore through Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia with a performance that was anything but ordinary. The stadium was packed with more than 65,000 fans, each one ready to experience the band’s legendary power firsthand. The second night of the M72 World Tour in Philly felt more like a historic event than just a concert, with the crowd’s energy hitting fever pitch even before the band stepped on stage.

As tradition dictates, the night began with Ennio Morricone’s “The Ecstasy of Gold” echoing through the stadium, immediately triggering a roar from the crowd. Seconds later, Metallica blasted into “Whiplash,” setting a ferocious pace. This opening choice wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was a nod to the band’s raw thrash roots and a reminder of how they reshaped heavy metal from the underground up.

The setlist masterfully blended classics with newer material, but it was the inclusion of “Lux Æterna” and “Screaming Suicide” from their 2023 album 72 Seasons that surprised many. Rather than sounding out of place, these fresh tracks stood strong alongside decades-old anthems, proving that Metallica’s creative fire is far from burning out.

A standout moment came when they launched into the haunting instrumental “The Call of Ktulu.” The brooding atmosphere of this deep cut painted the stadium in eerie hues of sound and light. Without a single lyric, the band held every person in the stadium captive—an impressive feat that few modern acts can claim.

“The Unforgiven” followed soon after, with Hetfield’s voice cutting through the night air like a blade. The emotional weight of the song, layered over Kirk Hammett’s somber lead work, created a moment of intimate intensity despite the massive setting. It was the kind of performance that reminded fans just how versatile the band really is.

When they dove into “Moth Into Flame” from their Hardwired… to Self-Destruct album, the tempo picked up again. This track has grown into a modern live favorite, and its fiery pace felt tailor-made for the stadium’s energy. With each verse, the crowd shouted along louder, feeding the band as much as the band fed them.

Then came the thunder. “One,” always a centerpiece of any Metallica set, erupted with its signature explosions and synchronized strobe lights. The battlefield-like chaos of the visuals perfectly matched the song’s wartime narrative. It wasn’t just a concert moment—it was live storytelling in its most explosive form.

And then, without any elaborate introduction, the opening riff to “Enter Sandman” hit like a shockwave. The reaction was instant and universal—an eruption of cheers, screams, and voices yelling every word. For all the legendary songs they’ve written, this one remains the band’s most iconic, and the crowd’s reaction confirmed why.

Hetfield, with his signature snarl and undeniable stage presence, carried the vocals with the same edge he brought in the early ‘90s. Hammett’s solo tore through the stadium like lightning, and Trujillo and Ulrich held the rhythm section down like a freight train on tracks. Decades into their career, the band played as if their legacy still depended on every note.

What elevated the show beyond just sound was the massive production. With a 360-degree circular stage, fans were wrapped around the band in every direction. No matter where you sat, you felt a part of the performance. LED towers, synchronized visuals, and towering flame blasts made every moment larger than life.

The band didn’t just play to the crowd—they played with them. Hetfield took breaks between songs to address the audience personally, recalling past Philly shows and joking about how wild the city always gets. It gave the night a casual, communal feel, despite the epic scale of the production.

Classics like “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” and “Wherever I May Roam” rounded out the setlist, bringing older fans deep into memory lane. The crowd’s reaction to these tracks proved that the emotional connection fans feel to Metallica’s music spans generations and isn’t just about the hits.

The grand finale was “Master of Puppets,” and it hit every mark. With its complex time signatures, relentless riffs, and iconic breakdowns, it felt like a masterclass in live heavy metal. The fans didn’t just sing along—they lived every moment of it, fists raised, heads banging, caught in the controlled chaos.

This “No Repeat Weekend” concept—where the band plays completely different sets over two nights—makes each performance special. It encourages fans to attend both shows and rewards longtime followers with rare tracks and surprises. For many, the second night in Philly felt like the better-kept secret, with a darker, heavier edge.

As the lights dimmed and the band took their final bows, one thing was clear: Metallica still commands the stage like no one else. Whether it’s a song from 1983 or 2023, they bring the same intensity, the same passion, and the same power. May 25, 2025, in Philadelphia will go down as another towering chapter in their never-ending saga.