The Desert Voice

Metallica takes Abu Dhabi by Storm

 The American band which is famous for hits such as, “Nothing Else Matters” and “Enter Sandman” has been performing since 1983.

In an interview with several of the venue attendees, the attendees voiced their opinions regarding the concert. When asked about how the concert went and how did it feel to attend his favorite band’s concert, Abdul Rahman, a 24 year old civil engineer answered by describing the concert as “historical” and that he was more than happy when the band played their biggest hits. Abdul Rahman also participated in the mosh pit that formed when a group of people began to slam into each other in the form of a wave-like motion while head-banging.

Hasan, a 24 year old civil engineer and a life-long Metallica fan said that the concert was a “somewhat  carbon copy” of all the other concerts that Metallica has performed at, stating that the band should have been more “unique and different and not just talked to the crowd and say ‘we love Abu Dhabi’…”

Hasan also explained that while big advertising boards for Flash and Showtime were present at the venue, there were no promotional stands or booths, unlike those at the former Desert Rock Festival that used to be held in Dubai. When asked about his reaction towards Metallica entering the stage, Hasan said: “I felt joy and the crowd was really enthusiastic regarding the entrance of the band. That shows that the concert was successful.”

“It is a really good way to express the violent side of a person and to express the essentiality of Metallica,” Hasan stated regarding the many mosh pits and extreme head banging during the concert. When asked about the special effects used in the performance he said that compared to those used by the band for their performance in Turkey last spring they were “less than expected” and that there was “less fire, lights and sound effects in this concert than in Metallica’s other concerts.” However Hasan concluded by saying that, “I would go again if Metallica performed in the UAE, I’m a huge fan!”

Ahmad, a 24 year old electrical engineer was rather disappointed by the concert. Not being a huge metal fan, he said that he had nonetheless tagged along with his friends to the concert. Ahmad explained that he had gotten injured during a mosh pit when he received a strong blow to his chest by one of the energetic head bangers.

Judi, a 21 year old mass communication major said that this was the first concert she had attended and described it as “very hyperactive.” Judi noted that “entering Yas Island was bad as there were barely any parking places” and that “the distance from the gate to the parking space was very far which made the parking inconvenient.” However, she still described the concert as “the best thing I’ve ever attended!”