Yogi Leksono

Jakarta, April 10, 1993

The hot, dusty air hung heavy around Lebak Bulus Stadium. Teenagers from all over Jakarta packed the venue, their excited voices mixing with the booming soundcheck echoing from the speakers. My college friends and I, buzzing with adrenaline, pushed our way through the crowd. At last, we were going to see Metallica live, a band we had only known through cassette tapes, posters, and music magazines.

That night’s lineup was legendary: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Jason Newsted. The Nowhere Else to Roam Tour marked Metallica’s first-ever show in Indonesia, and we were there.

But the excitement soon spiraled into chaos. Thousands of people without tickets forced their way in. Fences were torn down, small fires ignited near the stadium gates, and a full-scale riot broke out. It was wild, messy, and intense but unforgettable. Metallica’s music felt like gasoline poured onto the flames of teenage rebellion. That night, I saw how music could shake not only hearts but an entire city.

Maryland, May 28, 2025

Thirty-two years later I found myself in a very different crowd, this time outside Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. The sky was cloudy, with a light drizzle in the air as we waited for the show to begin. Fans of all ages gathered, wearing Metallica shirts and sharing stories. It felt more like a reunion than just a concert.

This was part of the M72 World Tour, featuring the exciting No Repeat Weekend concept: two nights in each city, each with a completely different setlist. After sitting in traffic and paying $60 for parking, we finally made it inside. The ticket cost $225 but for a chance to see my favorite band, it was worth every penny.

The moment I stepped into the stadium, I felt like I was 20 again. A massive 360-degree stage stood proudly in the center. No matter where you sat, the view was perfect. When the lights dimmed and the opening riff of “Creeping Death” blasted through the speakers, 65,000 people jumped to their feet.

This was more than a concert; it was an unforgettable experience, with James Hetfield growling like a beast, Kirk Hammett shredding with youthful energy, Lars Ulrich never missing a beat, and Robert Trujillo bringing raw, unstoppable intensity.

They played the classics from “One” (And Justice for All, 1988), “For Whom the Bell Tolls” (Ride the Lightning, 1984), “Seek and Destroy” (Kill ‘Em All, 1983), “Master of Puppets” (Master of Puppets, 1986) to “Lux Æterna” from their latest album 72 Seasons (2023), which won a Grammy in 2024.

Metallica’s legacy goes far beyond their legendary stage presence. Over their career, they’ve earned 9 Grammy Awards out of 26 nominations, 5 Billboard Music Awards from 10 nominations, and countless other prestigious honors worldwide. These accolades prove their lasting influence and their ability to keep metal alive across generations.

As the clock struck 11 PM, the band closed with the iconic “Enter Sandman,” and the crowd erupted in cheers. Spotlights swept the stadium as the final notes echoed through the night. Standing there, I smiled, realizing we may be older now, but the fire inside us is still burning strong.

It was nothing like the chaos back in Jakarta, no riots, no storming gates. Just wiser fans still rocking hard. Maybe it’s age, maybe experience, but it felt right. Metallica remains the soundtrack of our youth and a legendary legacy.