Published: January 21, 2010
January 19, 2010 The day Peru became part of Metallica history
Unforgettable. That’s the only word that truly captures what happened on January 19, 2010, when Metallica finally performed live in Lima, Peru. For thousands of fans myself included it was more than just a concert. It was a historical, almost spiritual moment that will forever echo in the hearts of Peruvian metalheads.
The band arrived quietly, aware of the debt they owed to a country that had waited decades to see them. Starting their Death Magnetic Tour in Lima felt symbolic, as if Metallica wanted to make things right with a region that had kept the flame burning since the 80s.
Before the show, the band held a small press conference that, unfortunately, left mixed feelings. Only a few local media outlets were allowed in, and some wasted their rare opportunity with poorly chosen questions. One reporter asked Lars Ulrich, “How do you feel knowing you destroyed Napster and that those same users now pay to attend your concerts?” A question so outdated that it drew an awkward smile from Lars, who replied dryly, “I don’t lose sleep over that every night.” It was a reminder of how easily such moments can be mishandled but that would soon be forgotten once the music began.
At 8:20 p.m., local metal veterans Necropsya opened the night with a solid performance that did Peru proud. But as great as they were, everyone knew what was coming. Around 9:20 p.m., the lights went out, the stage erupted, and Metallica emerged with the opening riff of Creeping Death. The crowd exploded in pure chaos. From that instant, Lima became a living sea of fists, sweat, and electricity.
For Whom the Bell Tolls followed, shaking the San Marcos Stadium to its core. Then came Fuel, ignited literally by waves of flame that shot skyward, roasting the air and lighting up thousands of ecstatic faces. It was one of those moments where sound and fire fused into something almost divine.
From Harvester of Sorrow and Fade to Black a song I never imagined hearing live in my homeland to the war like intensity of One, the show unfolded like a thunderous tribute to decades of heavy metal history. Every note was delivered with precision and passion.
As the night reached its climax, Seek & Destroy sent the entire stadium into a frenzy, closing the show in a storm of voices, sweat, and gratitude. The band promised to return, and the Peruvian crowd made it clear they would be waiting.
It wasn’t just a concert. It was a rite of passage, a long-awaited communion between Metallica and Peru.
Setlist:
Creeping Death
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Fuel
Harvester of Sorrow
Fade to Black
That Was Just Your Life
The End of the Line
Sad But True
Broken, Beat and Scarred
Cyanide
One
Master of Puppets
Battery
Nothing Else Matters
Enter Sandman
Encore:
Am I Evil?
Blackened
Seek and Destroy
