Heavy metal titans Metallica have etched their name further into rock history, delivering a monumental performance on April 19th at Syracuse University’s JMA Wireless Dome, per americansongwriter.com. The band’s earth-shattering set not only thrilled fans but also broke the venue’s all-time attendance record, previously held by The Who since 1982. More than 47,500 people attended the concert, Metallica announced Sunday afternoon and a university official confirmed the unprecedented turnout for the Syracuse stop of their M72 World Tour.
The quartet – James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo – achieved this feat with an innovative stage setup positioned on the 50-yard line. This configuration maximised the venue’s capacity, allowing fans to pack both the seating areas and the standing room around the stage. The sheer scale of the production was evident, requiring nearly 80 trucks to transport the massive video, sound, and lighting equipment.
The record-breaking concert marked Metallica’s first performance at the JMA Wireless Dome and their return to Syracuse after a lengthy hiatus since Lollapalooza in 1996. The enthusiastic crowd was treated to a powerful setlist featuring classic hits such as “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Master of Puppets.” The night reached its peak with a thunderous encore of their 1991 signature track, “Enter Sandman.”
Frontman James Hetfield expressed the band’s gratitude to the roaring audience, stating, “You make us feel so good and so proud. We are grateful for what we get to do.” The Syracuse show was the opening night of the latest leg of Metallica’s extensive M72 World Tour, supporting their 2023 album, “72 Seasons.” The tour, which commenced in April 2023, will continue across North America and Europe before concluding in Auckland, New Zealand, in November. The support acts for this memorable night were the legendary Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies, further amplifying the heavy metal energy in the dome.
•Featured image: Metallica’s singer-guitarist James Hetfield and Drummer Lars Ulrich at JMA Wireless Dome/N. Scott Trimble | strimble@Syracuse.com
