Earlier this week, it was teased that The Big 4 tour comprised of top thrash metal acts Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax would be coming to America. When the announcement was made yesterday, it turned out to be only one U.S. concert date in Indio, California on April 23, 2011 [read: WTF? The Big 4 To Play A Small 1: Only One U.S. Show Announced], much to the dismay of metalheads across the nation.
Weve all been left wondering WHY theres only one U.S. concert being offered when its obvious theres a demand for this bill in America. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich gave an explanation for this in a Los Angeles radio station interview.
On yesterdays The Kevin & Bean Show on KROQ-FM (106.7), Ulrich said, Lets take baby steps here.
Listen, we dont wanna cram this down peoples throats. We dont wanna sort of overstay the welcome, and we dont know what kind of response theres gonna be to this in America, so were starting, obviously, without being disrespectful to the rest of the wonderful country
He also went on to say that the reason they choose the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California (which is host to the annual Coachella festival), is that three of the four bands have a history in Southern California (aside from New York band Anthrax, the other three groups hail from California).
Ulrich also said that theres a chance that more U.S. shows could be added if theres a demand for it, and also expressed concern about the tour turning into a nostalgia trip.
I use to listen to that stuff in the 80s in my 20s, now it's too hard on my ears...I got tunitus from that and working around jet aircraft engines and loud Pontiac V8s ! lol...
Saw Megadeth Slayer and Anthrax in 91. I see Metallica every time they hit the bay. This is going to be a 2 day trip. Its near palm springs. We are think about taking the Ventura and Camaro.
I HAVE SEEN ALL THESE BANDS. THEY ALL PUT ON A GOOD SHOW. MY FIRST CONCERT WAS METALLICA IN 1986 AT THE EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTER. THERE WAS MAYBE 800-1000 PEOPLE. THE NEXT TIME I SAW METALLICA WAS CALGARY SADDLEDOME A COUPLE OF YEARS LATER...THE PLACE WAS SOLD OUT!