Metallica Beats Taylor Swift On A Stadium Record

Right now, Taylor Swift is really popular in the music world and her concerts are in high demand. However, there’s another performance that has set a new attendance record at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium. That performance was by Metallica, who had about 78,000 fans at each of their concerts at the stadium over the weekend. The Los Angeles Times reported this.

The stadium can normally hold 70,240 people, but Metallica used a clever setup to fit more fans in. They made use of a special area called the “Snake Pit” near the stage, which allowed more people to attend while standing. Metallica performed in the middle of the stage, which was set up in a way that let fans get closer to the band. This meant they could sell more tickets. In total, they sold 156,000 tickets for their two concerts at SoFi.

The stage itself is really impressive. According to Billboard’s report earlier this year, it’s shaped like a ring and has eight towers with screens and speakers. Each tower has a raised platform with special seating for VIP fans.

Additionally, the band travels with a big setup. They have 87 trucks – 45 for their equipment and setup, plus two groups of 21 trucks to build the stage and towers. They also have a team of 130 crew members, along with 40 steelworkers, local workers, and truck drivers.

For those who are curious, Swift also had a successful series of concerts at SoFi Stadium earlier in the summer. She performed for six nights and sold out all the shows. Across the six concerts, 420,000 tickets were sold, with around 70,000 people attending each show.

The Los Angeles venue confirmed Metallica’s new attendance record by posting on Twitter:

“Metallica now holds the highest single-show attendance record at #SoFiStadium. Thank you for two incredible sold out nights!”

Star-Studded LA Shows

In Los Angeles, many well-known celebrities from the entertainment and music industry attended the show. The actors Jason Momoa and John Travolta were seen hanging out backstage with the members of the Pantera tribute band, as shown in photos posted by drummer Charlie Benante. They were joined by Tommy Lee from Motley Crue and John 5 as well. Charlie Benante also had the opportunity to spend time with Adria Ajorna, an actress from “Andor.” Others present included Rob Caggiano, John Tempesta, and Tom Sandoval from Vanderpump Rules.

Guitarist Tom Morello enjoyed some time rocking out in the audience with Jason Momoa. Also present at the event were dUg Pinnick from King’s X and Jerry Cantrell from Alice in Chains.

On Friday, August 25, Metallica performed a 16-song setlist; on Sunday, August 27, they returned and performed a completely different 16-song setlist, as has been customary for this series of gigs. During Friday’s performance, vocalist James Hetfield thanked the fans for putting up with their shenanigans:

“After 42 years, we’re still having a good time.”

This weekend sees the continuation of Metallica’s M72 World Tour, with shows in Phoenix on Friday, Sept. 1, and Sunday, Sept. 3, promising more electrifying performances and memorable moments for fans to enjoy.