Thanks, Fatso

I've just returned from a Metallica gig at Earls Court, which was very cool despite being stuck up in block 40 seats. Mind you, I only found out I was going earlier this week when an unwanted ticket was offered to me, so I guess I'm lucky I got to see them.

While we were waiting for the show to start, we got in a round of over-priced beers, and toasted the occasion. Judging by the reaction from the couple in front of us when they heard us, and my prior knowledge, I'd guess they are Japanese.

Although this was the first time I'd seen Metallica live, I knew that they'd enter the stage to The Ecstasy of Gold. Then, it was straight into Battery.

What followed was a mix of old and new (Frantic and Dirty Window were played from St. Anger, their latest album). The first encore kicked off with Kill 'em All's Seek & Destroy, and then the second encore led with One (...And Justice For All) with what I can only describe as an "Orgy of Pyrotechnics".

Travel home was somewhat slowed by the thousands of fans all trying to catch an underground train at the same time, but it all seemed to go fairly smoothly (helped along with the choice of West Brompton over Earls Court). I really should try to get to another gig soon, seeing as my gig-history currently comprises:

Summer 1996 - Eagles at Wembley Stadium, London

10th December 1997 - Foo Fighters at Royal Court, Liverpool.

February 1999 - Terrorvision at the Guildford Civic.

20th December 2003 - Metallica at Earls Court, London.

Sadly lacking, I know. I guess my excuse for the lull between '99 and '03 was Unplugged.