Metallica Ignites Blacksburg with “Lux Æterna” — A Blazing Night Captured in Stunning Clarity

On May 7, 2025, Metallica delivered a monumental performance at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia, as part of their M72 World Tour. The band tore through a setlist that blended legendary classics with electrifying new material from their latest album, 72 Seasons. With more than 60,000 fans in attendance, it was a thunderous night that celebrated everything powerful and primal about live metal.

The evening opened with AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll)” echoing through the stadium. As the lights dimmed and anticipation surged, Ennio Morricone’s “The Ecstasy of Gold” rolled in—Metallica’s signature walk-on anthem. Moments later, the band charged into “Creeping Death,” igniting the stadium into a frenzy.

From that explosive beginning, Metallica moved effortlessly through a balanced mix of old and new. Fan-favorites like “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Ride the Lightning,” and “King Nothing” proved why these tracks have remained staples for decades. Newer entries like “Lux Æterna” and “Screaming Suicide” stood tall, showcasing a band still evolving without losing their intensity.

An especially memorable moment came during the “Kirk and Rob Doodle,” a signature interlude that gave guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo a chance to shine. This time, they launched into “Hell and Back,” a deep cut last performed in 2012. The unexpected revival thrilled the crowd and added a surprise element that few anticipated.

Midway through the show, Metallica shifted gears and brought the emotion with “Orion,” the haunting instrumental from Master of Puppets. The tribute to late bassist Cliff Burton resonated deeply with longtime fans. Tracks like “The Day That Never Comes” and “Nothing Else Matters” followed, adding weight and depth to the night’s progression.

Then came the fury. “Fuel” and “Sad but True” thundered across the stadium, shaking the foundation with every beat. The finale stretch hit like a sledgehammer with “One” and “Seek & Destroy”—two of the band’s most intense anthems—delivered with laser precision and a surge of unrelenting power.

The Blacksburg date was part of Metallica’s “No Repeat Weekend,” a bold tour concept where they perform completely different setlists across two nights in the same city. This approach ensures that fans are treated to the full range of the band’s vast catalog, making each night a unique experience.

Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies served as opening acts, delivering high-voltage performances that set the tone for the evening. Their inclusion broadened the musical palette and revved the energy to maximum before Metallica even took the stage.

A highlight of the M72 World Tour is the innovative circular stage design, placing the band in the center of the crowd. With the iconic “Snake Pit” allowing diehard fans to be up close, the staging created an immersive 360-degree concert experience unlike anything else in live music today.

The precision of Metallica’s performance reflected not just practice, but passion. Every visual effect, riff, and transition was executed with clarity and command. This wasn’t just a metal concert—it was an arena-sized affirmation of Metallica’s legendary attention to detail and artistry.

Blending legacy with innovation, the band’s setlist touched every era of their career. Whether you discovered them with Kill ‘Em All or Hardwired… to Self-Destruct, the night had something for every fan. That balance is part of why Metallica concerts continue to draw multiple generations.

What sets Metallica apart is their ability to make epic concerts feel deeply personal. From James Hetfield’s crowd banter to Lars Ulrich’s thunderous rhythms, the connection to the audience was visceral. Lane Stadium may have held tens of thousands, but the experience felt intimate and electric.

As the final riffs rang out and the stadium lights came back on, the crowd was buzzing. Conversations spilled into the night about favorite songs, surprise moments, and the sheer scale of what had just unfolded. For many, it wasn’t just a concert—it was a memory for life.

Blacksburg’s show wasn’t simply another stop on a long tour. It was a reminder that Metallica’s fire burns as brightly as ever. Decades in, they’re still raising the bar for what live music can be—pushing boundaries, feeding the fans, and showing no signs of slowing down.

With the M72 World Tour rolling on, Metallica proves night after night that they’re not just survivors of a bygone era—they’re leaders of the now. Their May 7 performance in Virginia was a monumental night of music, energy, and unity—a definitive moment in heavy metal history.