Metallica Unleashed a Biblical Fury with a Relentless “Creeping Death” in Tampa 2025
Metallica’s June 6, 2025 performance of “Creeping Death” at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa was nothing short of an eruption. As the sun set and the intro echoed across the crowd, a roar rose from 60,000 voices in unison. The stage bathed in flames, and the night turned electric the moment the opening riff dropped. This was not just another song on the setlist—it was a revival of something ancient and primal.
The band didn’t hold back. The towering presence of James Hetfield took command from the first “Die by my hand,” and the crowd instantly transformed into a furious sea of fists. The verses rolled like thunderclouds over Florida skies, and with every shout, Hetfield ignited more fuel to the firestorm happening before him.
Kirk Hammett’s guitar wept with fury during his lead breaks, slicing through the humid air like a whip. His solo work on “Creeping Death” is always a highlight, but tonight, it hit with heightened emotion and control—precise, brutal, and melodic all at once. He moved like a veteran samurai, completely in sync with the roar of the song.
As the iconic “Die! Die! Die!” chant began, the entire stadium seemed to pulse. Thousands of fans punched the air in unison, the lights synchronized to their rhythm. It was part battle cry, part metal hymn—one of those Metallica moments that feel mythic in scale, both terrifying and beautiful to witness.
Lars Ulrich pounded out the rhythm with relentless energy. From behind the drum kit, his timing was tight and aggressive, a reminder that after all these decades, Lars still serves as the band’s locomotive. His drum fills in the bridge felt like cannon fire, pushing the entire song into overdrive as the chant roared on.
Robert Trujillo brought weight and momentum with every note from his bass. Positioned like a tank, he stomped across the stage, headbanging with unstoppable momentum. His low-end work gave “Creeping Death” its monstrous spine, keeping the rhythm section grounded and feral. The synergy with Lars has never felt tighter than it did here.
This wasn’t just a song for the fans—it was a ritual. Every lyric, every beat, every synchronized shout carried years of history and emotion. “Creeping Death” wasn’t just played—it was offered like a sacrifice, shared between band and audience. The connection felt ceremonial, primal, and completely consuming.
The visual experience amplified it all: flame cannons burst into the sky, blue-white strobes flashed over a writhing crowd, and Metallica’s monolithic logo hovered on giant screens behind them. The stage design turned Raymond James Stadium into a war zone—and the crowd loved every second of it.
Some fans had waited decades to scream that iconic “Die!” chant live. Others were younger, seeing Metallica for the first time, but all found a place in that moment. Generations collapsed into one singular roar. In those four minutes, age didn’t matter. Style didn’t matter. Only the riff and the chant.
In between songs, Hetfield grinned and thanked the crowd. “Tampa, you showed up strong!” he said, sweat pouring off his brow, his voice hoarse but thrilled. The audience exploded in return, knowing they’d just witnessed something truly powerful. “Creeping Death” had again proven itself as more than a metal anthem—it was a livewire moment of unity.
The performance slotted seamlessly into their M72 No Repeat Weekend concept, ensuring this version of the setlist was exclusive to Tampa. No other city would get this precise arrangement. That meant “Creeping Death” wasn’t just good—it was rare, and that made it all the more intense for those lucky enough to be there.
As the lights briefly dimmed before the next track, the stadium still buzzed from the last note. Fans were caught in that post-adrenaline haze, stunned and grinning. Phones were raised, people embraced, others screamed with joy. It was the kind of high that no substance could replicate—pure, live energy.
The legacy of “Creeping Death” has always been tied to Metallica’s roots—their thrash-era defiance and mythological lyricism. It was the perfect track to remind everyone why Metallica remains the undisputed kings of metal. It bridged old-school grit with modern firepower in a way few bands ever could.
Many fans online would later say this was the highlight of the night. Despite all the hits that came before and after, “Creeping Death” stuck out for its intensity, the chanting, and the overwhelming sense of connection. It was the performance that defined the show and went viral for a reason.
As the show continued, “Creeping Death” still echoed in the crowd’s minds. People were still chanting “Die! Die! Die!” hours later in parking lots and hotel lobbies. For Metallica, it was another flawless execution of a classic. For Tampa, it became a memory permanently burned into the heart of the city’s live music history.
