Metallica Ignites Birmingham with a Ferocious “Master of Puppets” at Back to the Beginning
The stage at Villa Park glowed crimson as Metallica marched on just before Sabbath’s final act, the crowd roaring with anticipation. They opened with a crushing rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Hole in the Sky,” a rare live return since 2009—a precise salute to the gods of metal, delivered with both reverence and thunderous power.
From that pivotal cover, the band shifted gears into “Creeping Death,” their own classic. Lars Ulrich’s rapid-fire drumming whipped the audience into a frenzy, while James Hetfield’s vocals soared above the stadium’s roar. It felt like a communal exorcism—unifying thousands under the banner of thrash.
The setlist continued with “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” the ominous opening riff reverberating under the overcast sky. Hetfield’s steady snarl and Kirk Hammett’s atmospheric solo served as a bridge between Sabbath’s influence and Metallica’s own brutal signature, showcasing metal’s enduring lineage.
In a bold move, they pulled out a first-ever live performance of “Johnny Blade” from Never Say Die! (1978). The deep-cut Sabbath rarity stunned long-time fans and delighted purists, signaling Metallica’s deep-rooted appreciation—not just for mainstream hits, but for black-metal undercurrents that shaped their style.
After revisiting Sabbath’s vault, they slammed into “Battery,” the classic from their own Master of Puppets album. The track ignited a potent surge of energy—shredding guitar solos, relentless double bass, crowd chants—all building toward a climax of kinetic euphoria.
And then: the moment everyone had waited for—“Master of Puppets.” Hetfield and company launched into its intricate, eight-minute fury, complete with seismic riffing, blazing solos from Hammett, and Ulrich obliterating his kit. The performance lived up to its reputation as Metallica’s ultimate live powerhouse.
Watching the iconic riff explode from Hammett’s guitar—eyes closed, lost in the moment—it was clear how emotionally connected the band remained to the song. Its socially charged lyrics still resonate, bridging 1986 and 2025 in one unbreakable riff.
Fan footage bouncing around social media showed the pit and moshers tearing through the crowd as if freshly baptized in metal. A commenter on Instagram noted, “Master of Puppets from the Back To The Beginning show… 🔥”, encapsulating both the intensity and reverence of the moment.
Yet, not all feedback was gilded. Some fans on Reddit observed that the cavernous acoustics at Villa Park occasionally drowned vocals under bass-heavy echoes, a reminder that even legendary performances aren’t flawless.
Amidst the chaos, Metallica displayed professionalism. Ulrich and bassist Robert Trujillo had spoken beforehand about the weight of performing at Sabbath’s hometown and paying tribute to their heroes—this wasn’t just another festival set, it was a pilgrimage.
Their set came after semi-epic turns by Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, and others. The island of Metallica’s performance was a peak in the day’s musical landscape—strategically placed to build momentum toward Ozzy’s solo throne and Sabbath’s farewell.
True to form, Kirk Hammett’s guitar work during “Master of Puppets” included dramatic pyrotechnics—flames, lasers, and a towering light rig that mirrored the thematic depth of the song: control, chaos, and liberation.
After the final crash of the song, the band shared a quiet moment on stage—Hetfield nodding to Lars and Kirk, as if capturing a lifetime of sweat, riffs, and mutual respect. It was both triumphant and personal, a flash of deep camaraderie after decades together.
That evening, Metallica weren’t only performers—they were cultural custodians, passing the torch between Sabbath’s originators and the future of heavy music. They proved why Master of Puppets remains the gold standard—relentless, relevant, and timeless.
As the stadium lights dimmed post-set, the audience still reverberated with chants echoing “Master! Master!” before transitioning into celebrations of Sabbath’s final send-off. Metallica departed to thunderous applause, their performance woven into the fabric of an unforgettable historic night.
