Metallica's endless Fuel

The relation between Metallica and its fans has been for the past 15-20 years has been somehow weird. While albums do not reach the level of the 80’s masterpieces, the live aspect of the greatest Metal band ever (for me and some others) is radically different. These guys have not only been kicking ass on stage for almost 30 years now but they also provide 2 - 2:30 hours of pure metal adrenaline shows.

I remember in 2003 these guys gave 3 concerts in Paris on the same day, that was epic, and it was supposed to be a bad time for the band unity…. You can think, big deal, that day they worked for 8 hours, just like we do every single day. Fair enough, but if we look at their live numbers I really think these guy have worked out their stage reputation.  They have performed live more than 1700 times in 28 years, on average around one concert per week, including  the epic Dammaged Justice Tour with 222 concerts in 13 months, crazy.

Similar live performance numbers, that are very rare in music history, are for example Iron Maiden with 2000 shows since 1980 or The Beatles with an almost-gig-per-day in  1963, but doubtless much shorter, lighter or physically demanding stage act.

Yes, I agree, they will never write another “One”, “Master of Puppets” or “Fade to Black” but as long as I can see Metallica  playing live all the classics, I am happy.

Philip Anselmo , best metal frontman ever!?

Despite of all the controversy about this great figure of metal, when strictly talking about metal music skills this guy scores 10 out of 10. I know it is completely subjective to qualify someone as “the best of…” and sometimes is not even possible to compare.  Who is better? Dio or Robert Plant?. Well I do not even want to consider that question with no answer.

Personally, I prefer the type of lead singers that also play an instrument, in my opinion; they become part a tighter group. In that sense, we can see that lead singers such as James Hetfield or Rob Flynn relatively stand at the same level as the rest of the band .Instead of guys like Bruce Dickinson or Jonathan Davis that are the “most visible face” of their bands. Of course we shouldn’t generalize but that is my feeling even though I love they bands anyway.

In any case, Anselmo has been born to be a metal singer. Enraged, furious, deep vocals combined with a spectacular live performance full of emotions make him, at least, a serious candidate to be the best ever. Unfortunately, he hasn’t got enough recognition for his contribution. He has changed the way of doing metal, of singing metal. Lead singers of new upcoming suspiciously sing, move, act like him, which is not necessarily bad, but they do it because of Anselmo, and it should be acknowledged.

Is he the best? Probably not, problems not strictly related to music such as drugs, alcohol, arrogance … had interfered in the process but he seriously deserves more respect as a metal performer. Definitely with band mates as Dimbag, Pantera (and himself) could have been even bigger. Sadly, those days are over for good.

Picture by Naomi Smithson

Welcome!

Hi all,

 I have recently found out how easy it is for someone like me, with no writing talent at all, to publish my thoughts about one of my greatest passions, Metal Music. My intention is to write in relation to bands, music festivals and other stuff related this Metal World. I will give it a try to see how this whole issue works.

English is not my mother tongue nor I am a professional writer so do not expect perfection regarding this matter. However, instead, you will find love and passion in the articles that, hopefully, will balance the overall impression of this blog.  Let’s see how this evolves…

See you soon 

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