Celebrating twenty years since the release of Metallica’s famous S&M live album, the famous metal rockers took the stage at San Francisco’s new Chase Center alongside the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra just as they did in 1999.

Taking place over two nights, the S&M 2 shows recreated that legendary moment back in 1999 when the band and symphony first recorded the live album and DVD at the Berkeley Community Theater. Even late composer Michael Kamen’s original arrangements were brought out for display as the band and orchestra tastefully performed his compositions from the album.

Broken into two acts each night, the three-hour long show perfectly combined Metallica’s heavy metal flair with the more delicate nature of San Francisco’s Symphony Orchestra. What would normally be thought of as a conflicting duo, turned into a perfectly synonymous pair via the genius composition of each respective act.

Featuring a disjointed original set, the S&M 2 shows highlighted Metallica’s ever-growing career with numerous new additions to the orchestral set. However, don’t let that fool you. The modern metal pioneers were sure to keep much of the original S&M show’s integrity with over half of the setlist remaining nearly identical to the former. Check it out!

Using the entire eighteen-thousand capacity arena to their advantage, Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra set up at center court, performing to the entire audience by means of a rotating stage. But the production didn’t end there. From the constant laser light show to the overhead projections, Metallica brought out all the stops for the anniversary shows, while still honoring the bones of the 1999 show.

Opening with “The Ecstasy of Gold” and “The Call of Ktulu,” the two acts immediately recognized their S&M live album, mirroring its same opening two songs. Continuing with that trend, the show moved on to include a few more classics like “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “The Memory Remains,” “The Outlaw Torn” and “No Leaf Clover,” all of which were originally performed later on in the setlist.

However, that idea wouldn’t continue as Metallica threw some newer hits into the first act of the night like “The Day That Never Comes,” “Confusion,” “Moth Into Flame” and “Halo On Fire” to end their first set.

Rolling into the second act, the orchestra took over as they performed beautiful renditions of Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev's “Scythian Suite, Op.20, Second Movement” and Alexander Mosolov's "Iron Foundry" with famous conductor, Michael Tilson Thomas at the head of the stand. The performances served as a quick break in the heavier action, while also giving the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra a moment to shine.

However, that calmer moment was quickly interrupted when the show regained its Metallica footing as it continued with the 2008 hit "The Unforgiven III" before heading into an acoustic version of "All Within My Hands."

Featuring a standing bass solo by the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra's principal bassist Scott Pingel, the night continued with "(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth" and a few more classic Metallica hits like "Wherever I May Roam," "One," "Master of Puppets" and "Nothing Else Matters," all of which were a part of the original setlist.

With a grand finale looming, Metallica and company prepared the audience for the excitement to come as rotating blue lights lit up the crowd around them. After the first note of "Enter Sandman," it was clear that Metallica would take control of the ending, letting the orchestra follow their lead. And just as they did in 1999, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers blew the crowd away with their final song, ending the two-day event with a sincere thank you and moment to take in the reality of the show.

Although these shows were the last scheduled shows in the U.S. at this time, Metallica will be heading to Australia and New Zealand with Slipknot in October before playing a few dates in South America alongside modern rockers Greta Van Fleet come next spring. With all that in mind, check out their upcoming tour dates below!

Remaining 2019 Metallica Tour Dates:

10/17 - Perth, Australia @ Optus Stadium
10/20 - Adelaide, Australia @ Adelaide Oval
10/22 - Melbourne, Australia @ Marvel Stadium
10/26 - Sydney, Australia @ ANZ Stadium
10/29 - Brisbane, Australia @ QSAC
10/31 - Auckland, New Zealand @ Mt. Smart Stadium

2020 Metallica Tour Dates:

04/15 - Santiago, Chile @ Estadio Nacional
04/18 - Buenos Aires, Argentina @ Campo Argentino de Polo
04/21 - Porto Alegre, Brazil @ Arena do Grêmio
04/23 - Curitiba, Brazil @ Estádio Couto Pereira
04/25 - São Paulo, Brazil @ Estádio do Morumbi
04/27 - Belo Horizonte, Brazil @ Estádio do Mineirão