Metallica Reclaimed the Throne with a Crushing Performance of “King Nothing” in Nashville 2025

On May 1, 2025, Metallica delivered a thunderous performance at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium as part of their M72 World Tour. The setlist was packed with anthems from across their career, but one moment that truly stood out was the crushing delivery of “King Nothing,” which unleashed an avalanche of cheers from the sea of fans.

The night began with a blast as the band opened with “Creeping Death,” instantly setting the crowd ablaze. Thousands screamed the chant back at James Hetfield as the lighting and pyrotechnics transformed the stadium into a war zone of sound and fire.

Following the opener, Metallica rolled into “Harvester of Sorrow” and “Leper Messiah,” reviving their ‘80s era grit with ferocity. It was a sonic reminder of the band’s roots in thrash metal and their ability to keep that flame alive four decades later.

When “King Nothing” finally arrived mid-set, it hit with purpose. The song’s grim tale of empty ambition echoed through the arena as Hetfield’s growl collided with a crushing rhythm section, and fans belted out the iconic “Where’s your crown, King Nothing?” line with primal energy.

Originally released on 1996’s Load, “King Nothing” was once a controversial track as fans debated Metallica’s shift in sound during the mid-‘90s. But hearing it live in 2025 showed how time has redeemed it—its slow-burning power now embraced by audiences as classic Metallica.

The Nashville audience was also treated to songs from 72 Seasons, including the ferocious title track and “If Darkness Had a Son.” These new songs blended seamlessly with older ones, proving that Metallica continues to evolve while honoring their history.

A poignant moment came when Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo took the stage alone for their customary “doodle.” That night, they played “To Live Is to Die,” a rarely heard instrumental that serves as a haunting tribute to late bassist Cliff Burton. The crowd watched in respectful silence before erupting in cheers.

Later, the band dropped “The Day That Never Comes,” a modern epic that brought lighters and phone lights into the air. But they weren’t done paying homage to rock’s past—before launching into “Shadows Follow,” they teased Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water,” drawing huge cheers from older fans.

Then came “Orion,” another rarely performed instrumental masterpiece. The band’s synchronized groove and layered melodies honored Burton again, reminding fans of the bassist’s deep imprint on the band’s soul. The sheer emotion of the track was overwhelming.

As the set powered on, Metallica turned to longtime fan favorites. “Nothing Else Matters” invited couples to sway and fans to sing along, while “Sad But True” brought that slow, menacing stomp that has always felt like a punch to the gut in the best way possible.

“Battery” was pure chaos—a shot of adrenaline delivered at lightning speed. Mosh pits erupted across the field as James screamed into the microphone, and Lars Ulrich pounded the drums with wild intensity, showing no signs of slowing down after all these years.

“Fuel” followed, and with it, flames burst from the stage as if the song itself was setting fire to the night. The energy was uncontainable. Fans jumped in unison, fists pumping, while Hetfield commanded the chaos like a man possessed.

“Seek & Destroy” brought a nostalgic fury. The song, one of Metallica’s earliest, sounded as rebellious and hungry as it did back in 1983. The entire stadium roared the lyrics, proving the song’s power hasn’t dulled an inch.

The grand finale was “Master of Puppets,” an eight-minute masterpiece that sent the night into overdrive. With synchronized lasers, fire, and crowd participation, it became more than a song—it became a shared experience that generations of fans will carry forever.

Despite early severe weather warnings that threatened the show, the fans remained loyal and defiant. From the pit to the upper decks, no one budged. They came to witness something unforgettable, and Metallica delivered with one of the most intense and emotionally layered shows of the entire tour.