Metallica

In November 1997, Metallica was riding high on the success of their album *Load*, which had dropped just a year earlier. By this point, the band was on their Blitzkrieg '97 tour, showcasing their evolution while maintaining an electrifying live presence. If you catch the "Banned In Philly" live recording, you’ll see them in their element—thrashing it out in the parking lot of CoreStates Complex. It’s interesting to note that *Load*, while a departure from their thrash metal roots, introduced more experimental elements, blending different genres and styles. This caused quite a stir among dedicated fans, some of whom were split over the band's new direction. Yet, the power of their live shows—like this Philly gig—remained undeniable, demonstrating their ability to connect with fans on multiple levels, no matter the album era. Can you feel the energy they brought to that parking lot? It’s unforgettable!

Watch on YouTube