Many of the reasons why Metallica reigns as the most commercially successful touring band in history were on prominent display Friday during the opening show of its two-night stand at Soldier Field. For starters, the legendary band fed the packed house a steady diet of favorites from its peak creative era to go along with a smattering of recent material. More importantly, the group attacked with conviction and purpose, echoing traits it demonstrated two years ago when it headlined Lollapalooza .
But the Lollapalooza crowd missed out on the inventive productions, perspective-shifting techniques and cutting-edge technologies the band unveils on its own tours. When those elements work in a balanced and cohesive fashion, and the music receives the ferocity and control it deserves, Metallica and the audience operate as a communal organism that shares the same energy, emotion and enjoyment. Returning to Soldier Field for the first time since a disappointing date in June 2017, Metallica put a fresh spin on its familiar in-the-round configuration and reimagined the traditional concept of a stage.
Comprised of a wide, 360-degree ovular walkway linked by two elevated platforms, and distinguished with an open-area center for a large Snake Pit, the arrangement allowed thousands of fans to surround it on the outer and inner perimeters. Raised just a few feet above floor level, its low-slung design gave the crowd on the field close-up views associated with small clubs. Those seated in the .