From the Attic: Metallica Birmingham/Hammersmith UK 1986 Poster

Been a while since my last post, so with no further delay I bring you this HUGE poster from the UK for the two consecutive shows by Metallica 28 years ago today.  Given its size am not sure if it was a subway poster or sold at the shows or what? Thanks to my friend Anthony from the UK who sold me this poster.  The poster was signed by Lars and Jason in 1993, so a bit of a bummer that the signatures are not period correct, but still cool even if Jason did not play these shows.  

Sadly, Cliff was only able to play 3 more shows after the 21st of September.  Thus, on that note my brothers and sisters I leave you with something to think about with a poem by Rainer, Maria Rilke, entitled Death:

Before us great Death stands

Our fate held close within his quiet hands

When with proud joy we lift Life's red wine

To drink deep of the mystic shining cup

And ecstasy through all our being leaps-

Death bows his head and weeps. 

From the Attic: Aardschokdag 1987

With February coming to a close, it would be a shame if I did not find an excuse to post what is one of my favourite posters. The date of the show was February 8th, 1987, 25 years ago and the poster featured a pretty amazing lineup, made extra special by the appearance of the mighty and great Celtic Frost (I believe the only time they opened for Metallica, but I could be wrong). It is a beautiful poster adorned by one of the best Pushead designs (the Damage Inc. artwork), and also features one of the best designed logos in metal (Celtic Frost). In addition, it also features a great lineup with Crimson Glory being the only weak act on the bill.  With Metallica, Metal Church, Celtic Frost, Anthrax and Laaz Rockit all together on one bill, I am still jealous of the very lucky dutch folk that went to this show in 1987.

The Big 4 cd.dvd boxset

With the release of the Big 4 dvd and the dvd/cd boxset in October, I thought it was a good time to get a little nostalgic. I passed on the opportunity to see it in the theater as watching a metal concert in a theater is just a little too weird for me, still I was eagerly awaiting the release of the dvd boxset. I must admit I was a little skeptical, as I don't really like the term big four, especially when it excludes a band as great as Exodus. Although, having said that, I realize Exodus were not as stable over the years and did not have the longevity and staying power as these 4 bands, it just seems wrong.

The biggest surprise upon viewing was Anthrax and Megadeth who I expected the least from. They were both great and I ended up enjoying their sets more than Slayer's and Metallica's. Anthrax displayed their usual lighthearted and fun hardcore type approach, but with the return of Joey Belladonna they were in great form. Maybe it was the nostalgia, I don't know, but it was a blast watching their set. I was especially pleased with Metal Thrashing Mad since in my humble opinion, "Fistful of Metal" is the best Anthrax album. Dave Mustaine and the latest version of Megadeth also were in top form, despite the over dubbing and vocal criticisms out there, I also found their set to be very enjoyable, but wish they would play a few tracks off their legendary first album, which is also my favourite Megadeth album.

Next up Slayer. Slayer delivers exactly what you expect from Slayer. A ferocious blast of intense riffing and soloing that rarely lets up long enough to catch a breath. Tom Araya looked a little stiff after his surgery, but who cares? It is Slayer for christ's sake! Sadly, both Slayer and Megadeth did not take advantage of the occasion to bust out some tracks off their first two albums. Metallica were perhaps a little more average than displayed on their recent Nimes release, but still in great form. My only complaint, is that the narrative in between songs has become very predictable and safe, but at the end of the day it should only be about the music and Metallica delivers as usual.

In celebration of the release of this dvd/cd set, your narrator will show a few interesting artifacts from his own personal collection:

Anthrax (rare megaforce promo)

Megadeth flyer for their 1st show, Slayer fans take note that this show featured Kerry King on guitar with Megadeth, oh and I would have loved to see Trouble back then)

Live for Metal - Die for MEGADETH!!!! 2nd, 3rd and 4th shows, also featuring Kerry King on guitar. (Please Note:These are all genuine, and no they are not for sale, so please don't ask)

Slayer (This was my second Slayer show and was the second time I saw Testament, I honestly don't remember much about Testament at this show, but when I saw them at the Paramount in New Westminster, BC approximately a year or so prior, they were absolutely amazing)

A photo I took of Kerry King at the show with Testament.  This was my first attempt at concert photography and I took it with a disposable camera... none of this digital camera shit every robot waves around at shows today. I remember the floor was absolutely mental, so it was hard to get good photos, but it was much calmer than the South of Heaven tour when they opened up for Priest!,  enjoy!

Metallica (rare and authentic flyer for first Metallica show ever, featuring Dave Mustaine of

Megadeth and Mr. Ron McGovney of the underrated Phantasm)