Metallica Performs ‘Too Far Gone?’ Live in Nashville | May 2025 — At 61, James Hetfield Proves His Voice Hasn’t Lost a Step
On May 3, 2025, Metallica returned to Nashville with a thunderous performance that reaffirmed their legendary status. It was the second night of their “No Repeat Weekend” at Nissan Stadium, a format that offered fans a distinct setlist from the previous night. The stadium buzzed with anticipation, and the band delivered with brutal precision and unrelenting energy.
The M72 World Tour, launched in support of their 2023 album 72 Seasons, brought with it a 360-degree stage design featuring a central Snake Pit that placed fans right in the heart of the action. This innovative setup not only offered incredible views but deepened the connection between band and audience in a way few live acts can replicate.
Opening with the classic pre-show tradition of AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll)” and Morricone’s “The Ecstasy of Gold,” Metallica charged onstage to unleash “Whiplash.” The raw aggression of that opener was a clear sign that this night was about to get wild. Fans erupted, fists raised in unison to the speed metal anthem.
The ride continued with “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “Ride the Lightning,” each song a reminder of the band’s thrash metal roots. With Lars Ulrich pounding out thunderous rhythms and James Hetfield’s vocals as razor-sharp as ever, the crowd was locked in from the first notes to the last.
When the opening chords of “The Memory Remains” hit, the stadium became a choir. Thousands sang Marianne Faithfull’s ghostly chorus in a moment that felt almost spiritual. The band transitioned seamlessly into newer territory with “Lux Æterna” and “Too Far Gone?,” tracks that proved they’re still pushing forward creatively even four decades in.
A standout moment came during the now-traditional “Kirk and Rob Doodle,” where Hammett and Trujillo broke into a gritty, Nashville-inspired take on Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” Fans laughed, sang along, and roared their approval at the band’s willingness to engage with the city’s deep musical roots in such a playful and respectful way.
The band then dialed up the intensity with a one-two punch of “Fade to Black” and “Wherever I May Roam.” Both tracks balanced melancholy and menace, letting the band flex their dynamic range. The instrumental epic “The Call of Ktulu” followed, captivating the crowd with sweeping melodies and cinematic scope.
As the night deepened, Metallica pulled out the emotional “The Unforgiven,” followed by the introspective yet devastating “Inamorata” from 72 Seasons. For longtime fans, it was a clear reminder that their newer material still has teeth—and soul.
Then came “Fight Fire with Fire” and “Moth Into Flame,” tracks that sent shockwaves through the audience. Each riff and solo landed like a hammer blow. These weren’t nostalgia trips—they were living, breathing proof that Metallica remains a force of nature onstage.
The final stretch began with “One,” performed with the chilling visuals and laser-fire precision that have become synonymous with the song. Then came “Enter Sandman,” the closer that needs no introduction. It was thunderous, feral, and cathartic, wrapping up a set that had little room to breathe—and zero filler.
The Nashville date was just one stop in the ongoing M72 World Tour, which spans from 2023 to 2026 and offers fans a fresh experience each night. Metallica’s “No Repeat Weekend” concept is more than just a gimmick—it’s a promise that no two nights are ever the same.
Official live recordings of the concert were made available on Metallica’s website, ensuring that the memory of this night lives on long after the final notes faded. For those in attendance, it’s a time capsule of a masterclass in live performance. For everyone else, it’s an invitation to witness the fury from afar.
The band’s willingness to integrate local culture into their set—like the Nashville-inspired “Jolene” cover—speaks volumes about their respect for music history. They’re still evolving, still curious, and still capable of surprises that feel both massive and personal.
Through all the fire and fury, one thing was clear: Metallica’s bond with their audience has only grown stronger over time. Whether through the fury of old-school thrash or the emotion of new material, they deliver in ways few bands can still match.
Their Nashville show wasn’t just a concert—it was a reckoning. A night that proved Metallica is still very much a live-wire act. They’ve never been too far gone. In fact, they might be just getting started.
