Metallica’s ‘Enter Sandman’ Rocks Virginia Tech: A Seismic Event
Metallica recently brought their explosive "M72" tour to Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium, marking a historic moment for both the band and the university. The concert, particularly the performance of "Enter Sandman," had a profound impact, even triggering seismic activity recorded by the Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory. This event underscores the deep connection between Metallica and the Hokies, where "Enter Sandman" has been the football team's iconic entrance music for the past 25 years.
The May 7th concert was more than just a performance; it was a cultural phenomenon. According to WDBJ, Metallica's tour coordinator, Jon-Michael Marino, offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the immense scale of the "M72" tour. The crew of 350 people supports a circular stage featuring eight towers, 588 speakers, and a staggering amount of fiber optic cable. Band requires 64 guitars and basses to go on the road, and 36 of them need to be show-ready at any moment. The sheer scale of the production highlighted the band's dedication to delivering an unforgettable experience.
The culmination of the evening came with "Enter Sandman." As Virginia Tech's junior Luke Dalton told ABC News 13, experiencing the band's live performance of the track was a transformative experience compared to hearing the prerecorded version during football games.
Adding to the significance, Hokies football coach Brent Pry presented Metallica with team jerseys bearing the numbers 25 and 72, symbolizing the song's legacy and the current tour. Pry emphasized the song's importance, stating, "It all starts with 'Enter Sandman.' There's no better entrance in college football."
The ongoing "M72" tour is in support of Metallica's latest album, "72 Seasons," and has seen the band play two-night, no-repeat shows in each city. This format allows them to showcase their extensive catalog and ensures a unique experience for fans attending both nights. The tour's design, featuring a massive ring-shaped stage with the Snake Pit in the center and multiple drum sets, allows Lars Ulrich to connect with the audience from various points.
The "M72" tour continues to garner critical acclaim. The 2025 itinerary promises to deliver even more unforgettable moments to fans across North America. Support on the 2025 North American leg comes from PANTERA, LIMP BIZKIT, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and ICE NINE KILLS.
The Metallica concert at Virginia Tech was more than just a show; it was a convergence of music, culture, and seismic activity. What are your favorite Metallica moments from the "M72" tour? Share in the comments below!
Related issues news
How many people attended Metallica at Virginia Tech?
Metallica's concert at Virginia Tech drew a crowd of 60,000 attendees. The audience's energy registered as a small earthquake on seismographs.
Did the Metallica concert register on the Richter scale?
While the minor seismic activity, quickly dubbed the 'Metallica Quake' online, posed no danger, it was too minor to register on the Richter scale or be assigned a rating, the FOX Forecast Center said.
