'#MetallicaMondays': Metal legends stream classic 1991 'The Black Album' concert using VHS tapes
Metallica are keeping their massive fanbase entertained during the coronavirus lockdown with their free live-streaming shows on '#MetallicaMondays', but their latest set gets nostalgic. Featuring tracks from their self-titled studio album (commonly known as 'The Black Album'), the heavy metal icons are showcasing songs tonight (April 27) from their Muskegon, Michigan concert which took place in 1991. The songs include 'Enter Sandman' (of course), 'Holier Than Thou', 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' and more.
The 1991 concert saw Metallica at the start of their groundbreaking 'Wherever We May Roam Tour', which supported 'The Black Album'. Their setlist at the time featured 21 songs, four of which were from 'The Black Album' including 'Enter Sandman' and 'Battery', and the show received two encores. The album (their fifth out of 10 in total) became a multi-platinum smash, shooting the band into international rock and roll stardom.
According to Metallica's statement shared by Spin Magazine, the band said, "We had to dig through our VHS archive for this one. Get ready for a raw, grainy set from the beginning of the never-ending Black Album tour."
Metallica announced '#MetallicaMondays' after postponing and canceling all spring shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Consequence of Sound. They were scheduled to perform with Greta Van Fleet this month, but it has been pushed back to December. Headlining festival gigs at Epicenter and Welcome to Rockville were canceled. The band were also scheduled to headline the Louder Than Life Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 17, but that festival has since been canceled.
The only live show in the US we may get to see this year is their headlining concert at the Aftershock Festival, scheduled to take place on October 9-11 in Sacramento, California.
But the good news is that Metallica are showing their dedication to their fans with '#MetallicaMondays' and tonight's show is going to be spectacular, to say the least. On the official site, the band's statement reads, "While we’re all doing our part and staying home, we find ourselves missing live music, so how about we dive back into a few of our favorite shows at a socially responsible distance?" It continues, "Let’s stay connected and virtually visit a few of our favorite places in the world together as we bring a series of live Metallica shows right to your couch!"