Metallica
Arrowhead Pond
Anaheim, CA
November 27, 2004
When Metallica rolled through Southern California on this leg of The Madly In Anger Tour, they hit Anaheim’s Arrowhead Pond for the first time – a very large and beautifully kept venue- right in the backyard of their original stomping grounds.
Despite mixed reviews and dispersed disappointment over the St. Anger cd, Metallica was back and they were still the biggest hard rock band in the world. The band had thrown away the eyeliner, got rid of the designer clothing and got their edge back.
This shoot presented a bit of a challenge for me – Metallica was now playing in the round, and I was going to have be quick on my feet to keep up with the band. Not only was the stage round allowing each member to run from side to side, from front to back, to face the audience on all sides of the arena, but the drum riser was also rotating on its own. So as the band was constantly moving, so was Lars.
I never ran so much shooting a show in my life. The band opened with Blackened, ripping everyone’s heads off. Their energy was incredible and I knew I had to put a game plan together if I wanted to get the shots I needed. For the next two songs – Fuel and The Four Horsemen – I decided to concentrate on one guy at a time – first Lars, then James, etc, while making sure to hit Kirk on all the solos. Wherever my target moved, I would follow – no matter what.
I was tired, hot and sweaty, but my planned worked…I got it all. I even got my face heated up pretty badly by the flame shooters at the base of the stage.
I always liked this shot of Lars, I felt that it really captured the excitement and energy that Metallica was giving to the audience that night.
Photographed with a Canon 1D and a Canon 70mm-200mm lens.
Historical Note: Metallica’s first show ever was also in Anaheim, CA at Radio City on March 14, 1982.
the KEVIN ESTRADA blog 