In the summer of 2025, Metallica stops in Denver, CO, on their 72 Seasons tour for a two-night stand: June 27th and June 29th. I was fortunate enough to see them for the first night. Friday the 27th at Empower Field at Mile High.
Fans from all corners of the state and surrounding areas came out to witness two unforgettable nights of music, energy, and raw talent as Metallica proved once again why they are the king of heavy metal rock music.
Opening Acts
Two bands opened the show. Ice Nine Kills and Limp Bizkit. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to see the first band, but we got there when Limp Bizkit started playing and got to see part of their show. They pulled out all the stops and played all the songs that made them one of rock's memorable bands from the '90s and early 2000s.
Wes Borlin was dressed like James Hetfield from the early 80s to pay tribute to Metallica and the influence that they have had on him and his guitar playing. Limp Bizkit was in good form with Fred keeping the crowd engaged and on their feet. The band ended the show with their famous song Break Stuff.
A great way to warm up the crowd and get them ready for the heavy metal champions of the world, Metallica!
A Night Of Unmatched Energy
Around 8:50 pm, the song It's A Long Way To The Top If You Want to Rock N Roll by AC/DC started to play over the loudspeakers, and then went into their regular intro "The Ecstasy Of Gold" before hitting the stage with the infamous, Creeping Death! As the first notes rang out, the stadium erupted into a wave of deafening, thunderous excitement!
Metallica opened the first night of their Denver set with powerful precision that only comes from decades of honing their craft. Forty-plus years of touring consistently allow them to play and sound like a well-oiled machine. Which is exactly what the crowd was there for.
Setlist: A Journey Through Metallica's Greatest Hits
The band delivered a masterful setlist that spanned their illustrious career. Classics like "Master Of Puppets" and "Battery" were present. With the infamous "Orion" as a dedication to the late Cliff Burton, who helped craft their earlier masterpieces. All this and more met with a roaring approval from the audience.
Metallica also treated fans to a few songs from their latest album, 72 Seasons, demonstrating their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. Here's a glimpse of the night set list that set Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on fire:
- It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock N Roll)
- The Ecstasy of Gold
- Creeping Death
- Harvester of Sorrow
- Holier Than Thou
- King Nothing
- 72 Seasons
- If Darkness Had a Son
- Kirk & Rob Doodle (Suicide & Redemption)
- The Day That Never Comes
- Cyanide
- Orion
- Nothing Else Matters
- Sad But True
- Fuel
- Seek and Destroy
- Battery
- Master of Puppets
A Stellar Performance By Metallica
James Hetfield's commanding vocals were as powerful as ever, captivating the crowd with every word and chord he played. Kirk Hammett's iconic solos soared through the stadium, showcasing his unparalleled skill and passion for his craft.
Lars Ulrich's drumming was relentless, driving each song with ferocity that kept the energy throughout the night at a feverish pitch. While Rob Trujilo's bass lines provided a thunderous foundation, completing the band's formidable sound.
Fan Experience: A Family United By Sound
As James mentioned in the show, Metallica is a family. The band and the fans, as he welcomed them all back from the previous time they stopped in Denver. A ritualistic celebration of community and the enduring power of the music created over the past 40-plus years.
Fans, both young and old, sang along to every song, their voices uniting in a chorus of shared admiration for the band. The band that has become their heroes, the band that has touched their lives throughout the years, the band that speaks to them from the heart, and appreciates their loyalty.
The Legacy Continues
As the final notes of "Master Of Puppets" echoed through the stadium, Metallica left the stage, leaving fans in awe at what they had just witnessed. The band's ability to deliver a high-octane performance while connecting deeply with their audience is a testament to their enduring legacy.
Metallica's June 27th (and 29th) summer stop in Denver on a beautiful Friday summer night was not just a show; it was a powerful reminder of the band's impact on the world of music and their unwavering commitment to their fans.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Metallica proved once again why they are considered one of the greatest rock bands of all time. With a 2-night stand in Denver in 2025, breaking all attendance records previously held for a rock concert, they continue to inspire generations of fans with their music and live performances. For those of us who were there, it will be a night to remember and cherish.
For a fan who's loved Metallica since the first time I heard them back in the early 80s, I feel very fortunate to have seen the show. It is one thing for a band to last 40-plus years, but it is something else to be breaking attendance records while still sounding great! I've seen them many times over the years, and they never seem to disappoint.
Guitar Lessons Available
If you'd like to learn how to play like Metallica, be sure to check out the other posts on my Blog, my YouTube channel, Authored method books, or reach out for personal assistance with your guitar playing. I have been teaching private guitar instruction for years, and can help get you where you want to go. Just contact me at my website and we'll get you scheduled and moving in the right direction.
Thanks for your time reading.
And good luck with your guitar playing.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
