Metallica Performs “Master of Puppets” into “Enter Sandman” in Houston – A Solid Highlight of Their 2025 Tour
On June 14, 2025, Metallica took over Houston’s NRG Stadium with a performance that felt more like a thunderstorm than a concert. The atmosphere was electric from the moment fans began to pour into the venue. Dressed in black and clutching beer cups, the audience roared before the first note rang out. This was no ordinary night—it was a celebration of legacy, power, and the enduring grip Metallica holds over metal music.
The band opened with the crushing might of “Creeping Death,” instantly sending shockwaves through the crowd. Without pause, they moved into “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” with Hetfield’s vocals cutting like a blade through the stadium air. It was clear within minutes that Metallica was not here to coast on nostalgia. They were out to prove—yet again—that they still own every stage they set foot on.
Even newer songs like “Lux Æterna” and “If Darkness Had a Son” received wild cheers. These tracks, from their 2023 album 72 Seasons, blended effortlessly into a setlist packed with classics. Fans didn’t just tolerate the newer material—they welcomed it. The band’s energy never dipped, and their chemistry showed no signs of slowing down.
During the mid-set instrumental break, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo took a playful detour with a lighthearted jam session. Trujillo tossed in a few notes from ZZ Top’s “La Grange,” nodding to Texas roots, and the crowd roared in recognition. It was a reminder that even giants like Metallica can still laugh and surprise.
When “Nothing Else Matters” began, a hush swept over the audience. Couples clutched each other, lighters and phone screens lit the night, and Hetfield’s voice took on a tone that was both raw and comforting. In a set dominated by speed and fury, this ballad became an anchor—a reminder of Metallica’s emotional reach.
Then came “Sad But True,” a slow, grinding track that turned the stadium into a stomping battlefield. You could feel the vibration in your chest as the drums hit. Trujillo’s bass growled beneath the guitar layers, while Lars drove every beat with signature precision. Fans screamed along to every word, fists in the air.
The tension kept building with “The Day That Never Comes” and “One,” a pair that brought cinematic intensity to the arena. Strobe lights flashed like gunfire, mimicking the Vietnam War theme of “One,” while the crowd fell into sync with every sonic explosion. This wasn’t just music—it was theatre with teeth.
The arrival of “Master of Puppets” turned the entire venue into a tidal wave of motion. People jumped, headbanged, and screamed the iconic chorus with alarming precision. It was as if the 1986 masterpiece had never aged. Balloons filled the air, and the sound of thousands of voices united in a single anthem echoed through the Houston night.
Without missing a beat, Metallica slid into “Enter Sandman” as the finale. The transition was seamless, and the eruption from the crowd even more intense. That opening riff? Still chills-inducing. The song has long been the band’s stadium closer, and in Houston, it sounded more urgent than ever—an eternal lullaby for metalheads.
Fans of all ages filled the crowd—some who had seen Metallica back in the ’80s, others bringing their kids for a first concert. You could spot teenagers in vintage Ride the Lightning shirts and older fans mouthing every word with closed eyes. This was more than a concert; it was a time capsule and a rite of passage.
What made this show special wasn’t just the setlist, though it was flawless. It was the energy exchanged between the band and their fans. James Hetfield looked genuinely moved at several points, grinning as the crowd roared louder than the amps. He cracked jokes, welcomed everyone like family, and made Houston feel like home.
The production was stunning—pyrotechnics, synchronized lighting, and giant screens showing every sweat-drenched solo. But none of it overshadowed the music. From “Seek & Destroy” to “Battery,” the focus remained on Metallica’s relentless performance and the unmistakable bond they share with their audience.
Even after nearly two hours, there was a sense that neither the crowd nor the band wanted it to end. People lingered long after the last note, swapping stories, holding onto the moment. The merchandise lines were still full. Strangers high-fived and hugged, bonded by what they had just witnessed.
Online, fans from Houston raved: “They still got it,” “Best show of my life,” and “It felt like the ’80s again.” Some even claimed it topped any show they’d seen since the legendary Guns N’ Roses tour in 1992. For many, this wasn’t just another tour stop. It was proof that Metallica’s prime is still very much alive.
In 2025, Metallica isn’t just surviving—they’re dominating. Houston bore witness to a performance that bridged generations, united strangers, and reignited memories. From “Master of Puppets” to “Enter Sandman,” the band played with fire in their veins and history at their backs.
