Metallica’s First Show Ever Took Place Forty Years Ago Today!


Forty years ago today on March 14th, 1982, Metallica performed their first concert ever at Radio City club in Anaheim, California. The Los Angeles band (at the time) performed a set of mostly NWOBHM covers and a few originals. The band consisted of co-founders James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, with Dave Mustaine and Ron McGovney. Metallica called out this anniversary on social media with some messages for the occasion, including the band’s first-ever concert by sharing an early flyer from the gig and their first-ever setlist. It cost $15 to get in and according to the post (from Lars’ diary entry of the show) 75 people attended.

Continue reading