Metallica Rocks Minneapolis with Spectacular Shows at U.S. Bank Stadium
- Explore the massive effort behind Metallica's 2-night stand at U.S. Bank Stadium.
- Witness the behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put on a major concert.
- Jeff Wagner delves into the details of the concert that had downtown rocking.
MINNEAPOLIS — Heavy metal enthusiasts flocked to U.S. Bank Stadium over the weekend as Metallica delivered two electrifying performances. The concerts showcased not only the band's musical prowess but also the extensive behind-the-scenes efforts that make such grand productions possible. With a core group of four band members, Metallica's operation is supported by a dedicated crew of over 150, alongside an additional 800 local workers who contribute to each tour stop. The logistics involved in setting up the show are staggering. According to production manager Marino, the assembly of the stage and sound systems requires approximately 36 hours of labor for the tower system alone, followed by another 12 hours for the complete setup of stage, video, audio, and lighting. The sheer weight of the equipment is impressive, with speakers totaling around 120,000 pounds. If all the cables used were laid out end to end, they would stretch from the stadium to Stacy, Minnesota. Marino emphasized the complexity of the production, noting that the band travels with four drum kits and two backups, as well as 64 guitars and basses, of which 36 must be ready for performance. This meticulous preparation is essential due to the varying tunings required for the 15 to 16 songs performed during the shows, necessitating fresh strings for each performance. The weekend's events not only highlighted Metallica's musical talent but also the extensive teamwork and engineering that go into creating a memorable concert experience for fans.