Metallica "Battery"

Metallica's album "Master of Puppets" was released 35 years ago today and had such an impact that it was added to the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress. We're thrilled to welcome them back to the show for this special performance of "Battery" in front of the original backdrop for their Damage, Inc Tour. #Colbert #MasterOfPuppets #Metallica
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via CBS All Access, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

[@asmrheka6603]

Whoever mixed the sound: give them a raise! Whoever edited the video: give them a paycut!

[@joelgoodwin811]

Yessir

[@joelgoodwin811]

That constant shot of the hi hat was annoying. Had no purpose whatsoever lol

[@MrBrewman95]

There last appearance sounded great too.

[@RaymondWalker]

The rub: it was the SAME PERSON! ;-)

[@joelgoodwin8805]

@@RaymondWalker LOL. If that's the case, we know which one he needs to stick with!

[@nathanwilliams3049]

Damn Lars is actually mostly playing on time,mind blown. James sounds sick as fuck just like the old days

[@rajamcraja]

yeah I think Lars was playing on a click bc it really seem to be the same tempo of the original track

[@danielepitzoi6097]

They FINALLY understood that they need to use a click... It was required a worldwide pandemic to make them understand, Jeez... 😂

[@azathoth0820]

Well they played it at slower speed than the original version, I think that helps a bit.

[@FartSniffer1]

@@azathoth0820 not slower, just slower than the usual live versions haha

[@Endgame7]

They played this song fast for 2 decades on purpose. Every actual Metallica fan knows this. James yeah, you're right. 1990s/2000s James needs to never come back.

[@S-A-CCL]

James' vocals are brutal and his playing is on point, I'm so glad

[@dawidvanstraaten]

@John Doe lol a guy who sold 125 million records :D

[@dawidvanstraaten]

@John Doe lol and made 4 of the greatest albums of all time :D

[@section8usmc53]

Really good, yes, but brutal ? No.

[@lucasgugli6698]

James playing is always on point

[@fsmaia]

@@section8usmc53 one day in the lost past.

[@JesusChrist-ko7sg]

The fact that Lars is playing that good makes me believe they’re working on a new album

[@yeetfeet1878]

They did say it was going to be their best and heaviest album

[@jobin9471]

@@yeetfeet1878 Damn don't hype me too much please

[@yeetfeet1878]

@Apple Smart Fridge yeah

[@yeetfeet1878]

@Apple Smart Fridge yeah lulu is a no no for me. There first 5 albums are just mind blowing amazing, I actually love load. Reload is good. St anger is ok. Death magnetic was enjoyable, and hardwired is great!

[@yeetfeet1878]

@Skip R yeah. If this album is how they say it is, I am very excited!

[@tropikilla]

James singing well, Lars is playing on time, they actually played the god damn bridge, is this the 80s?

[@MarStacey]

I WAS FULLY EXPECTING THEM TO NIX THE BRIDGE LIKE THEY USUALLY DO! So relieved that they did it.

[@Rosterized]

nah not the 80's because its not played at 120% speed while hopped up on coke and alcohol

[@VileSinner666]

Lars used more double bass back in the 80s...

[@666Jakemetal]

If you put it on 1.25x speed it is haha

[@ivaerz4977]

No they had long hairs that looked like thrash metal

[@glennt69lol]

James is always on point, Lars does his job, Rob fills in the space left by cliff and Jason, but man I swear Mr Hammett was absolutely on fire during this song, seriously Kirk kicked ass

[@gabziu3161]

Yes he totally nailed that solo. I didn’t hear a wrong note in there.

[@billwang5462]

Word.

[@ChrisOfTheRiff]

I was just thinking the same thing, Kirk was killing it, ripping!!!!!

[@josealejandrocaraveo]

Lars was better than other performances I have seen

[@belgradeboy77]

Yeap, Kirk nailed this one

[@heavymetalgirl9579]

I'm so happy to see James Hetfield ,Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammet all healthy and still playing their iconic music..

[@itwontcomeout5678]

And better than ever, it would seem!

[@EM-zj1xm]

Amen

[@johnp82]

Not a Trujillo fan?

[@heavymetalgirl9579]

@@johnp82 I'm fan of Trujillo too, but James,Kirk and Lars started Metallica together and still performing together... I love them all..

[@cornflex8779]

@@heavymetalgirl9579 tbf James and Lars started Metallica and kirk came 2 years later

[@MrIgor13]

A message for anyone out there bashing on their late 90 and 2000 songs, load relaod, st anger. Wait until you grow older and face mid age problems. You will relate to so many of those songs.. Metallica is one of the if not the greatest bands out there.

[@WingedCobra]

True. They've grown and their music has grown with them. One of the greatest bands of all time.

[@puppetzinc1]

Underrated comment. I long believed that those albums will become critial as they can't play the fast stuff when they hit 70's etc, but that hard rock stuff, could play that until they are 80 +. It will seem very smart long term and we still get Metallica and give those albums the love they deserve!

[@Ryan-eighty-six]

The interlude to the solo. One of the most underrated bits of music on the album, welcome back.

[@brianlord2]

I hear ya, they’ve cut it out if their live performance for years aswell

[@ballsonc6251]

The piece after the solo back into the last verse was always pretty sweet too

[@shikulli]

More like welcome home lol

[@jasonallen7154]

Yeah except you could barely here Kirks part of the prelude on this performance

[@TrevRockOne]

It's so pathetic that Metallica just cut out the hard parts of songs.

[@metfan4l]

So glad to hear them play the middle bit again!

[@CalebColesMusic]

Been way too long, that middle section is amazing and balances out the song to make the solo sound even more epic. Hope they get into the habit of playing it again.

[@TheFlexXMLG]

yeah, listened on my phone speakers though and couldnt hear kirk lmao

[@Gameworm214]

It would be great to hear them play the middle bit of the four horseman again.

[@josephshrader8904]

Still badass after all these years

[@Squall6575]

Is it me or is Kirk’s tone spot on from the album? James has more mids going on, but Kirk’s sounds spot on

[@jacksonward5070]

i’m a newer metal fan. probably watched this around 10 times. the day i see metallica in concert will be an emotional day for me. wishing fellow fans all the best

[@averagehooman3792]

have a good journey in being a metallica fan🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@LuisMolina-dj4sc]

Same to me, pal. This fucking virus stole the chance to see'em live but soon we'll have the opportunity again. Good luck!

[@joshlewis575]

U won't be disappointed, been to a lot of shows, lots of big artists. Nobody owned a crowd as much as James does. Hopefully you can clear your schedule for the few days after, cause they're also the loudest show I've ever seen. They're great!

[@jasonsheets2694]

@@joshlewis575 I can't imagine what it's like to hear 20k people singing your songs back at you. I agree 100%. James owns the crowd the entire show. He grew into a dynamic front man for sure. Leaps and bound better than his early 80's shows where they were trying to find their groove.

[@11Nosferatu11]

I saw metallica in Cleveland a couple years ago. Literally one of the greatest nights in existence.

[@murfdog19]

They didn't rush it as they tend to do live. The tempo is on point, making it easier to actually play and sing the song.

[@MLS7476]

Tempo IS NOT on point. Listen to the album version again. They can't play those songs as fast as they used to, but still sound great!

[@goldenwolf8081]

⁠@@MLS7476yes they sound great for sure! But sadly there never going to be 22-23 alcohol rage hungry and determined musicians again speaking of James,Lars and Kirk for them in there 60s tho they still run circles around any other band!

[@DominicOwenMusic]

James’ voice sounds great. Plus it’s really cool to see them play a heavier, faster, classic tune on tv for a change. Well done boys!

[@MajorDook1]

Well, it is for the anniversary of Master of Puppets. So makes sense that they'd play something off the album.

[@cristianvillanueva9638]

Actually, they are playing it a bit slower than in the Last shows but its a precise speed.

[@douglasbillington8521]

Hell yeah!

[@Bat_Boy]

Wow, this song sounds like a ripoff of every early 80s LA punk band, like Black Flag, C. Jerks, and others. SLAM!

[@DominicOwenMusic]

@@MajorDook1 Haha. Yes, obviously I get thats why they’re playing a track from Puppets.

[@Greyhounder]

*Thrash sounds* “Metallica everybody, we’ll be right back”. Proceeds with jazz outro 😂

[@mrheadlessa]

Lmao

[@gh0stdem0n666]

Twitch flashbacks

[@mhuh]

Garbage jazz at that. Like he couldn't have found better?

[@abraxasvoice440]

I was thinking the same goofy💩💩😜😜😜

[@DarkReturns1]

It's so quick, it's startled me lol

[@Foxikaze]

Lars must have been practicing during quarantine. He’s basically spot on on this performance

[@outsidethebox4949]

Thats what I was thinking too. Sounds really good.

[@tuievans]

I mean, he’s got nothing else to do probably

[@MikaelLV]

Lars can play like that every night if he wants to. He doesn't need to practice his own songs. It's about willingness and motivation.

[@TheSUPERPOTATO2000]

@@MikaelLV It's also about the difference between a 5 minute performance and a 2.5 hour performance

[@zoso1980]

There's no "flow" to his playing. He's struggling. Look at him. If this is Lars playing good, I'd hate to see an off day. Seriously.

[@cmarch2277]

I've been a fan since 88 and seen them live every tour since 94. That was damn impressive. Easily the tightest that song has been played live in YEARS.

[@Rickkelley365]

They did get better and better as the Hardwired tour went on. They were really vibing all of 2019 (saw them twice that year, including with SF symphony). But the way they sounded at the drive in last year, and everything they have played since then, has been nothing short of epic. They are indeed becoming the very best versions of themselves right now. This next album will probably be one of their top 3 of all time. I think it will rival MoP and the Black album in songwriting and production quality.

[@autopecas_]

just a little reminder: metallica turns 40 this year

[@danielrosas4171]

Hey I’m 25 going on 40 . I just got a Metallica tattoo and I was born in 1995. My dad thankfully introduced me to Metallica. Now I have been to multiple concerts with him and I just got it tatted. My kids will listen and love Metallica . They will live on forever!!

[@zacharystecher3266]

Don’t remind me

[@jannepellonpaa]

Puppets and me are both turning 35 this year :(

[@MrBrewman95]

Got another 40 to go!!!

[@WhenHariMetKari]

That’s awesome! That’s a good thing.

[@davidsantos1381]

When Lars does his double bass, the whole world is a better place.

[@KyleJPie10]

Very likely edited in post-production

[@jord9261]

@@KyleJPie10 very likely not. They play live all around the world and post their fuck ups as well as good performances because they don't care

[@riccardozamprogno5824]

it's just 15 bpm slower than usual, that's why he keeps up. I like it this way, honestly

[@jord9261]

@@riccardozamprogno5824 yeah they've been playing all of the recent performances closer to album speeds. They're all solid, bells sounded so much heavier

[@KyleJPie10]

@@jord9261 I'm aware, I've seen them live many times. Lars doesn't play double bass outside of the studio.

[@tjitsekoster9379]

I like how all the mic stands, including Robert's, have a buttload of picks, like they're in for a 2hr set.

[@mauricerodriguez5685]

That was an absolutely insane performance by an exceptionally well oiled machine... James's vocals have only gotten better over the years.. And credit be given when credit is due because Lars turned back time on Battery, His timing and overall playing was flawless!!

[@elijahsbasschannel5484]

This is DEFINITELY the best Metallica has played in a long, long time

[@anthonyfrombelow]

How is that? They have been crushing it for the past 7 or 8 years.

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

@@anthonyfrombelow - They play very differently here. - If you don't notice that, well...

[@anthonyfrombelow]

Michael Angelo H. Well, what?! They've been my favorite band for over 30 years. I guarantee you I've seen more concert footage than 95% of Metallica fans. This is a good performance, no doubt. But check them out at Rasputin's, check them out at House of Vans, check them out at the Orion festival 2013. They have been killing it, especially from 2011 to present. Don't try and school me on Metallica, boy.

[@phillipharris9824]

Agreed I’ve seen them live three times on all their concerts and live albums this is definitely on point it almost sounds like studio live

[@cimez]

Yes. It almost looks like they were actually rehearsing for this performance. Even Lars sounds on point and he;s not rushing as usual. Great performance indeed! And Lars started to play double bass again. Great to hear.

[@SpexFPV]

Tempo not rushed, Lars tight and Papa Het sounding great...what more can you ask for?

[@Jenl82]

Not rushed, but dont like how it sounds like its in slow motion.

[@Robert-Downey-Syndrome]

A decent mix?

[@SpexFPV]

@@Robert-Downey-Syndrome Fair comment. Bit too much room reverb and some things not coming through, but hey, it's not an album recording. To be fair there's usually issues there too though 😅

[@chriswilliamoneil]

Afrikaans metal

[@Logan0123]

@@Jenl82 seems like they are playing 180 when the original is about 192 beats per minute (quite understandable given the age of the band). Still sounds great!!

[@swoogie3570]

The transition from Metallica absolutley killing it to a happy-go-lucky "we'll be right back" tune had me on the floor laughing

[@TormentNJ-BlastedNJ]

40 years & still killing it 🤘🏻

[@TylerCritti]

The different camera transitions looks like something out of PowerPoint

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

Myea, really awkward and unnecessary; I noticed and got distracted by it too. - This "retro" stuff is going too far. XD

[@sortebill]

Facts.

[@6955beniegn]

stupid trying to be hip and modern with stupid confusing camera transitions

[@Awooga765]

Next thing you know, Clippy will appear asking if you need help.

[@sweathawgboudreaux3887]

And I thought it was my phone. 🤷‍♂️

[@joelgoodwin811]

BATTERY!!!! Shout out to the mixing team, you can actually hear Lars’ kicks!

[@shamwow7996]

He's using a combiiof mics and triggers now days, which is perfect and I always thought he should because sometimes his hits are harder so it evens them out.

[@adamsmith5913]

Yeah but they forgot to turn up lead guitar on the solo interlude and could bearly hear my favorite guitar riff

[@DillyDilly13]

@@shamwow7996 Lmaoo no he isn’t 😂 god I love when people talk out their ass.

[@lukebogartmix]

​@@DillyDilly13 Fidelman has used samples on their live video mixes since he started mixing them, specifically the snare, it's pretty obvious (especially in tuning room videos), but that's the only thing, he's surprisngly kept the kicks natural though. You can hear it at 3:20 pretty well on that snare fill. Nothing wrong with that though, whatever sounds good. You can also see Roland triggers on the bottoms of his rack toms, and likely the other drums, but that's more likely just to trigger gates from, not for triggering samples.

[@barake7550]

Haven't seen Lars playing this tight in years. Made me very happy. Great work, Lars \m/

[@tdias04]

the fact that they have songs called Battery, Cyanide, Fuel from albums like Reload with the band name being Metallica makes them the perfect Metal thing in music to ever exist

[@skobei_]

good point

[@zlatanibrahimovic1601]

This performance was just pure badass, James singing and that tone is fucking great!

[@zlatanibrahimovic1601]

@Skip R Yes! I didn't really have anything against the old one but this sounds fucking badass. The tone really has that depth to it that it had back in the day.

[@bazookajoe8771]

That whole album is a masterpiece! It's nice to hear James sounding like James.🤘

[@chaosapiant]

Indeed. I'm glad to not hearing adding a second syllable or a "whoa/yeah!" to every single word.

[@thewildbunchASD]

Actually, yes!

[@stonedmanatee3373]

Wow. Rock solid performance. Best they sounded since 1996.

[@teamkint]

This band has been part of my entire life…If I was ever fortunate enough to meet them I would shake them all by the hand and say thanks for the music

[@stigstench5143]

I LOVE THAT KIRK is playing a Michael Schenker Gibson Flying V.

[@mikegillespiemusic]

Is that w passive pickups too?

[@thatthingthatisaid65]

His chops are better than ever imo.

[@Ryan-eighty-six]

Same here, arguably Kirk's biggest guitar hero is Schenker.

[@thraknik]

That’s a Medallion V from the 70s, probably THE Michael Schenker Flying V.

[@SiopaoSauc3]

@@thraknik Good eye!

[@TheAnxiousAdventurer]

Wow! They sounded tight and GREAT. James sounds fresh and very old school "yelling in key" as he once called it. We like that, us old Schoolers. I joined them between Master and Justice. I just about wore out the original Garage Days $5.98 ep cassette that summer and fall of 1988 until I heard Justice. Then I just about wore that out. Thank God The Black Album was on CD. I still use Enter Sandman to test any new soundsystems out. It is the pinnacle of huge, hard and clear sound, masterfully produced by Bob Rock.

[@Omar_E11]

Well said! Bob gets too much crap.

[@jamesjohnston1935]

I ligit think you just became my favorite person. lol \m/

[@bobbyfoster3769]

Garage Days was epic. I had the cassette and it was my sole workout music in the walkman for a year. Killer.

[@f_USAF-Lt.G]

There was a time of collaborated innovation back then, when we would use the 1/4 to 1/8 jack from the stereo to the computer, to digitalize tracks from cassette and LP... Now recording is digital from input to platform. 😷🤘

[@hiredn00bs]

It sounded like they were dragging to me

[@joe6700]

I can't describe how excited about James vocals here. Like he hasn't sounded this good since the Black Album.

[@jayramagost6490]

This is amazing that they can still play this damn good! This is absolutely perfect from every member! I’m thoroughly impressed! Sounds cleaner and better than the original! Hell yeah!

[@margaretpeabody243]

No theatrics here just guys in jeans and t-shirts playing their hearts out. Thanks Metallica for being the powerhouse of the decades!!

[@Sornigrafix]

No matter how "accepted" metal has become in fairly recent years - for those who truly remember '86 and how metal bands were vilified by the PMRC - you'd have never gotten any of us to believe Metallica 35 years into the future would play BATTERY on national television! Smashing through the boundaries, indeed. \m/

[@paulseidler1644]

Metal still isn't accepted. The Grammys and rock hall of fame still shit on and disrespect it...

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

@@paulseidler1644 Uh Metallica has 18 Grammy nominations & 8 Grammy wins...also they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Maybe do some research before you go talking about stuff. Metallica pretty much pushed metal mainstream back when the Black album came out. Plus Arsenio Hall had Megadeth playing Hangar 18 on his show back in '92.

[@paulseidler1644]

@@ZiddersRooFurry "um...." name other bands that get respect and attention like Metallica. They caught lightning in a bottle with the black album and no other band reached those heights since then. I'm talking about metal as musical art form not being accepted, not one band. Priest and Maiden are still waiting for respect and recognition from those organizations. You must have no other perspective outside of following Metallica but go on with the insults "metalhead" lmao

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

@@paulseidler1644 As far as the Rock hall of fame it's a fucking joke, anyways. As far as mainstream goes metals been mainstream since the black album and especially since nu-metal took hold in the late 90's. Hell-Ozzy had his own fucking reality TV show. He shows up on tv all the time. Sharon's been on the View forever. She wouldn't have that job if not for her husband's popularity. You must not watch much TV.

[@solderbuff]

@@paulseidler1644, I don't know, Priest and Maiden somehow sound outdated to me, while I started to really dig Metallica once I heard "Master of Puppets" on a piano...

[@jcraven6774]

What can be said....35 years later and people from all over the world are still listening, starting to listen, but no doubt loving this. How this is not rated the greatest album of all time is beyond me. Every genre has to listen to this album and just be in utter amazement. Iconic!

[@WilliamMc91]

23 years later, the album helped me cope with my struggles as a sophomore in High School in 2009.

[@skonte]

Never thought i d see Metallica perform at the Colbert show much less from such an old album but nevertheless it is very much welcome.

[@vinny142]

They've been on Colbert before though right? Anyway, lots and *lots* of performers are making these kind of videos today and just selling them to whoever wants to feature them in their shows and whatnot. It's easier for everybody.

[@Jordan-Ramses]

Why not? Babymetal was on even before the pandemic. Even if it was Gimme Chocolate and not one of their heavy songs. Yes they have heavy songs listen to Distortion. It's at least as heavy as Metallica. Colbert sucks now but at least he has some good music guests.

[@Omar_E11]

@@kimhoffmannandersen5477 You answered your own question. lol They're a Trump supporter.

[@johnwestcott5612]

They played on The Colbert Report, too.

[@Jordan-Ramses]

@@kimhoffmannandersen5477 - when you only make fun of one side no matter how ridiculous your side is being that isn't comedy it's partisan hackery. Jon Stewart didn't do that.

[@jamesyanks7460]

Lars sounds like he's been putting in a lot of practice time.

[@susrev88]

probably because this is not just some random concert and he realized this

[@Lurts]

Probably because they're making a new album. He always sounds great when they're making new music.

[@fedora997]

@@Lurts Well they've been writing music since February 2020, wont be surprised if we get a single before December for their 40th Anniversary

[@MASTEROFPUPPETS238]

I did notice hes more tight and consistent with his fills and little details

[@stevereed2472]

What else is there to do for bands these days besides write and practice? I'd hope they'd be tight as hell

[@LordandGodofYouTube]

Still melts your face off 35 years later.

[@reidnelson271]

Best they've sounded in many, long years. Wow.

[@ncallaway9731]

the best part of this whole video is watching Metallica absolutely CRUSH this song, then watching Stephen Colbert's studio jazz band playing this happy music after the video ends lol

[@blppt]

Its like watching old Porcupine Tree videos, where the band is playing some of the saddest lyrical songs, but Colin the bassist always has a cheery smile on.

[@Lellos_]

@@blppt lol exactly!

[@commanderstarstrider7176]

lol thats what I was thinking. Kinda like comparing GenX to millenials right after.

[@rohant]

Hahahah just came to see this comment. Perfect

[@oscarflallerdahl]

Can we just appreciate the absolut fucking ATTACK in James’ picking? Not that he’s ever been bad at it, it’s just amazing

[@onzkicg]

Yeah, I agree. I tried playing Metallica in my old high school days. I remember struggling with the stamina for Master of my puppets. The downstrokes is just insane for the entire song. I saw some players got away nicely using up and down picking. I haven’t been able to play that & just forgot about it. James is really bad ass awesome. His right hand is like a machine.

[@joelcastro-reyes1667]

Im convinced his wrist is made of adamantium or something

[@johnp82]

Mustaine couldn't do that

[@DaniEl-un7ef]

@@joelcastro-reyes1667 vibranium

[@metaphoria3]

Gawwwwh

[@ej22_gc86]

Is it me or is Lars actually doing well over there? Can’t stress James‘ performance enough though

[@lesterlemenwater666]

So refreshing to hear actual people playing real instruments and singing instead of auto tuned vocals and synths

[@rgwak]

Two performances in less than a month? We are not worthy! 🤘

[@billsutherland3935]

I have a feeling they were both filmed on the same day. Still cool to see!

[@sue_m]

@@billsutherland3935 i saw Kirk's shirt and was wondering the same thing.

[@SweetJohnny]

This is why Metallica is one of the greatest bands. Never disappoint.

[@robbieclark7828]

Debatable, but they’ve earned and owned their disappointments.

[@JadedMax]

....have you listened to St. Anger? I kid! I fucking love these guys. I swear to god Hetfield is part Lion

[@unclewilly01]

St anger was pretty disappointing.... Actually very.

[@icetrigger8iceice148]

@@unclewilly01 st anger sounds great live look it up

[@hydroguy6927]

Jesus boys!!! Whens the new record?? This was a killllller performance! Lars and James on point here.

[@99goat99]

Superb live performance - truly one of their best renditions of BATTERY, and I've been around since the beginning.

[@Beiskraft]

James' guitar looks sick. He loves his guitars even more than his cars.

[@metalping4734]

Those guitars gave him his cars, if you know what I mean.

[@Zwellop]

what guitar?

[@Beiskraft]

@@Zwellop This camo esp flying V. He and Kirk have many awesome guitars.

[@RiffRock51]

His signature ESP Vulture!

[@myggenpv]

@@Beiskraft I can’t see any guitar dude

[@reaperskeeper8259]

Did Lars have a gun pointed at him or something? Dude hasn’t played like that in a minute !

[@robertfox4114]

4:12 That double bass was clean.

[@MrErikwade]

I was thinking the same.... wtf... actually sounds good...

[@flaviolopes2613]

Lol

[@nemanacemu2024]

Hahahahaha.

[@notoriusdrifter40]

Quarantine got him practicin'

[@BATTIS94]

Pretty tight, actually! Metallica has been practicing! The audio engineer did a great job too, things sound balanced and crisp.

[@chrisslooter2825]

Rob's Spector bass really cuts through nicely. It has that Cliff growl.

[@JakobHeld]

Finally James heard that we are all alive!!

[@NandR]

ARE YOU ALIVE?

[@joshualausch9820]

How does it feel to be Alive?

[@tevster1316]

SHOW ME!

[@ryandavis6864]

Crazy wah ripping solo

[@Sparrow-Music]

Holy shit dude, James sounds GREAT.

[@fawzijarrah5135]

Yes he does! This is a testament to how talented they are, to be able to be this sharp and on point at their age. Just amazing. True legends.

[@ReaperKezia]

Metallica was my very first concert when I was 13 years old.. That was back in 1996 😭😭☠☠ Jerry Cantrell & Days of the new opened... member those guys? I member..

[@scottlovesplayingbass3495]

Love the days with Jason but dang Robert keeps Cliff alive with his style of playing 😎

[@319vegeta5]

How is James's voice getting better with age? I thought he was toast in the mid-2000's but man has he made a comeback.

[@Rickkelley365]

#noliedetected

[@shawnanderson6687]

I know, its unbelievable! Also phil Anselmo's voice on the recent Down live stream. They both have have gotten their voices back. Amazing shit.

[@thatmatt41]

100%. Comparing some of the recordings from 10 years ago, his voice is just so damn raw and powerful now compared to then.

[@joeferguson4174]

Yeah it's so rare for a rock legend to lose their voice and then like improve again. Happy that's been the case though!

[@thedancingguy828]

just see since late 2018 hes voice is getting better

[@thekibitzer9336]

It's good to see James back. I'm happy he was able to get the help he needed.

[@ReeceyBoy_4]

Absolutely

[@bengoshi4]

What happened?

[@thekibitzer9336]

@BenGoshi James went to rehab for alcoholism.

[@bengoshi4]

@@thekibitzer9336 OK thanks, I was supposing something like that.. Good for him 👍🏻

[@hipbubble7685]

@@thekibitzer9336 his yearly rehab

[@orangenblue6981]

4:42 - Colbert's way of telling his awestruck audience that everything is still okay in their world :D

[@ciscoak9074]

whoa iv never heard them playing that mid section..james usually pulls his "ARE U ALIVE!?! HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE AAAALLLLIIIVVEE!?!" Gimmick at that part. Then they go right into the solo. lars is even playing the double bass parts!

[@murraydreyer235]

I know this must be muscle memory for these guys by now, but..... DAMN!

[@Cambaudio]

Ikr!? They were playing this live when I was 4 years old. I'm nearly 40

[@socmonki]

@@Cambaudio I was 5, and I am 40. The early albums still hold up, and Metallica can still bring it. Loved the tone!

[@Aryanval]

Don’t know why they stopped playing that bridge for so long, but fuck yes to them bringing it back!

[@sancamilobad]

Lars said once that it “messed” with the general live vibe of the song (speed and heaviness wise)

[@ozanmrcan]

@@sancamilobad i can agree on that

[@Rikarwb]

@@ozanmrcan i disagree, the dynamics its what makes it heavy ... go heavy, then slightly slower, then go heavy again

[@markreyes7454]

Which bridge part are you referring to?

[@Rikarwb]

@@markreyes7454 2:08 - 2:41

[@80s_monsterkid28]

They played the middle part!!!! 😭😭😭😭 Probably the best live version of the song to this date! 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@herrroy4963]

Absolutely awesome! I just love the fact that Metallica still wants to improve and develope after all these years!

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

Cool to see Kirk Hammett using a wah. He should do that more.

[@chrisrolfe6917]

Lol

[@tevster1316]

😂

[@johnp82]

That's funny you mention that, I actually hate his wah.

[@spacejesus4747]

Nah man, I love his constant use of the whammy. If he uses the wah he will sound like he's copying Marty Friedman.

[@thomasfokas]

😂

[@nateg6320]

I’m an old school Metallica fan, and this kicked ass! James only did a couple of his yeayea vocal things he does lol 😂. Metallica sounded normal again!!

[@Squirrelconga]

Yeah-hYeah they do!!! 🤭

[@maxhizzy3696]

If you close your eyes it kind of feels like the late 80s-early 90s performances

[@nateg6320]

@@maxhizzy3696 absolutely!

[@johnlord7246]

He's got a lil anger back in it. St anger. Dabum tss 😂

[@Hashbeast]

@@johnlord7246 you are some kind of monster aren't you?

[@carlos73]

This Battery speed 80% with respect to the original 50% with respect to Seattle 89

[@Luckey917]

Thank you for really meaning it when you said, “We’ll never stop, we’ll never quit...” !!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@The-Musicians-Edge]

I love that the comment section is littered with everyone surprised by Lars. lol.

[@AbimaelJCruz]

They sound good AF !!!! Next stimulus check will go to a metallica ticket. Lol.

[@fv4648]

I am more surprised that Kirk didn't mess up the solo.

[@Wicked75_WKD75]

Lars Ulrich is a very good drummer, and here he fully demonstrated it! 🤘😡🤘

[@lupita132]

I mean he's playing a slow down simplified version of the song. Still good for him.

[@acooke]

Before scrolling I was just about to leave that comment haha not just me then

[@ColinOrJames]

Imagine being almost 60 years old and still being THIS GOOD!

[@katyungodly]

My mom turns 60 this year and she’s a conservative southern woman, I cannot even comprehend her playing like this 😂

[@MusicVersa]

King Crimson are still melting brains and most of them are in their 70s.

[@alreadydead6914]

@@katyungodly Metallica has been well known as a conservative band for decades. Political views have nothing to do with determination and skill.

[@ralfkohler1303]

Danny Carey: hold my 8 beers... 😂😂😂

[@h.k.295]

@@alreadydead6914 Exactly Pantera for example or Heaven shall burn

[@13lood13ath]

The boys are sounding great on this one!

[@AnUnhappyBusiness]

Wow, that was superb! Have heard them play this so many times, but this had performance had an unexpected amount of energy and focus

[@inkagiz]

I was cranking this and smiling like a kid the whole time enjoying the nostalgia and the fantastic mix of this performance. My neighbors must’ve like it too cuz they thru a brick through my front window to hear it better. 🤘🏻😝🇨🇦

[@vadecoriffs2327]

Same here😎🤘🏻

[@missmiou6273]

cool neighbors lol

[@carmenmcdonald9919]

you're kidding i hope! funny as shit though!

[@grejen711]

Next time throw it back so they can get stereo sound!

[@f_USAF-Lt.G]

But the priceless look on your kids faces will be the story that lasts forever...

[@AllanNightingale]

FYI for next time: Metallica needs no visually enhanced edited help, just point the cameras and stand the f back.

[@ivareskesner2019]

Indeed

[@SirGingerOfKnight]

StarWipe Here, and here, aaaaaand StarWipe to fade

[@JasperSchwinghammer]

thought the transitions were pretty cool.

[@Cambaudio]

That glitchy effect crap was annoying me. Right on

[@shuckins]

Sadly, Colbert does this with every single metal act that comes on the show. And I have not clue as to why, because it does not make the performance better.

[@altramelody]

This song charged my smartphone battery to 100% 🤘🎸😁😂

[@garrettshort3308]

Love the drum groove in the middle bit. Lars was on point here

[@AndyAcker]

That jazz outro after Battery: so genre-bendingly jarring it's almost Mr. Bungle territory.

[@ostimeg]

Ho ho god don't say that, i've love to see some Mike Patton on the show. He'd nevre do it.

[@DevinRyanVitek]

My ass is on fire!

[@Thrasher5251]

Mr. Bungle? So you have great taste I see 💪🏼

[@cedmusictube]

Electr1cgypsy ma meeshka mow sqwoz 😂

[@Malkmusianful]

Hey Mr. Metallica, please add jazz interludes to your songs

[@pardeepbhachu5499]

This lockdown has been a great rest for James’ voice! No doubt about it. Sounds incredible!

[@billsutherland3935]

Slowing things down seems to help too.

[@missyroades4533]

Rehab too...but he looks and sounds great!!!

[@JohnWilson-os5wy]

What a performance ,absolutely top notch

[@charlesrocks]

I love the old school Master of Puppets stage backdrop.

[@cmurphy0707]

That’s actually the backdrop from the Damage Inc. Tour.

[@HellKnightKilla]

Say whatever you want about Metallica, after all these years they can still crank out Battery like this which is insane. I know it's muscle memory at this point, but damn

[@MrDemoncrusher]

Absolutely love the fact Hetfield and Hammett are back playing "Flying V's" The thrash metal weapon of choice.

[@aaronwillis6179]

@@adamdevo7179 he used a Gibson flying v first though

[@gregorp8406]

Twin V's = As fucking metal as it gets 🤘🤘🤘👹

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

@@adamdevo7179 Vulture

[@MrDemoncrusher]

@@adamdevo7179 Not in this vid... Hetfield is playing an LTD Vulture, and Hammett is using a Gibson Flying V. But Hetfield use to use the explorer design a lot. Pretty much exclusively between Master of Puppets, and the Black album.

[@blppt]

@@aaronwillis6179 Yeah, but I think a lot of us picture James up there with some Explorer variant, whether Gibson or ESP. Now, Mustaine I always picture with a Flying V.

[@cloudsss83]

it never gets old

[@marlon3089]

James´ voice sounds better than ever! Lars is also killing it (because of practice probably). Kirk using the Wah which is great and Rob as good as always!

[@highonsleep4219]

i love james's more agressive and gritty vocals, he should sing like that more.

[@FartSniffer1]

Well he's not touring so he can do it lol Try touring for 2 years straight then try singing as tight as he does here

[@Artofwar3004]

This was a single performance... While touring it is almost impossible to keep voice health while singing like this

[@kodyepidemic]

It sounds like they’re playing with a metronome because that was the most consistent they’ve ever played tempo wise.

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

I think it's because they have been in the studio, working on a new album, which is recorded using a click... It helps a musician to tighten up.

[@cubzrulz]

Don't forget that time lars was coked up in Seattle or when he was in the hospital and Dave lombardo played in his place.

[@LudwigTheMad]

Helps that they played it slower than the studio version...

[@GibsonFender]

I did think that, and it might be so. Risky, but they had takes, to get it down, if so.

[@codydrummer]

@@michaelangeloh.5383 did they record to a click though? They don't always.

[@yellowheadphones]

I dare you all to watch Metallica play this song in 89 after this. It’s unbelievable lol

[@aronbrandt2794]

And whiplash!

[@EzioHanitore]

Man listening to James's live singing even just 5 years ago and hearing it now, like shit its like night and day. Hes got his rasp back and it sounds fuckin great

[@fubooboo]

Seems like Lars has really been using this quarantine to rehearse---they sound fucking tight !

[@byronlemay2166]

I'm a pretty good drummer myself and I've always been mystified why Lars hasn't really bothered in all these years to improve his skills...laziness? complacency? disinterest?...but it looks like maybe the criticism finally made him focus a bit more...he does a fine job with this. So many live videos of him in the last ten years he is sloppy as hell...maybe he still drinks a lot? Out on the road, getting a bit too buzzed.

I think Lars rushes the tempo in gigs because of the adrenalin from playing in front of a huge crowd. On tv shows he mostly keeps the tempo

[@arejay781]

@@byronlemay2166 personally I think it’s disinterest. If you watch rehearsal videos you see him complain quite a bit that it all sounds the same. You can tell he’d rather be playing something else, maybe in a different band but Metallica is printing money so no way he’s going to leave.

[@ZeusTheMatti]

If this is tight... Then they realy suck ass...

[@Endgame7]

Why do people trash Lars musically? i just don't get it. Lars is always on time, they just often speed up/slow down certaim songs for given tours. Sad But true has like 2 different speeds they play im. Battery as well.Lars is the drummer to, not even argueably, the best metal band of all time. He's probably at least ok.... lol Learn to Metallica.

[@shadcovert1160]

Robs thinking, "wow, the boys are finally getting it together on this one"

[@ruckusrevolt8240]

This is one of the best performances I’ve seen from them in I don’t know how god damn long. You can tell they’ve been jamming.......A lot. Kirk lol for a couple seconds he was like what song is this? He snapped back pretty quick tho.

[@MrShuvodeep]

Wow! James,Lars & Kirk is back with their proper ability. Just love this.

[@lavenspace22]

lars seems much more in time than he's ever been since the 90's, hes actually been practicing

[@JammastaJ23]

Shit we're all old. What a classic.

[@tracym6297]

Haha! Right? And we're still rockin'!

[@spooky_hausintrees]

Yesssss ...puts on neck brace!

[@shamicentertainment1262]

well I'm not yet, still 21

[@ozzwepay]

This is truth, right here

[@Sueloveschoc]

I still have cassettes of the Black album and s&m part l and ll, except I don’t have a player to play it in!

[@owensigurdson8610]

Well done. I absolutely love the drum solo in battery - super creative with a bit of a jazz feel to it. Its necessary to listen to the album version to fully appreciate the genius of it however, I've never seen it completely pulled of live.

[@brenmfffusmc7803]

This is such a badass performance, f*cking love this song!! Really enjoyed that they played it at the original tempo and not sped up like most live performances.