I also got to see Metallica when they were cool. They were putting on great live shows all the way until the end of the 'Black' tour. I knew it was the beginning of the end on the 'Load' tour when they played the intro to 'Sanitarium' and changed it to 'Nothing Else Matters'. I was livid. Kirk was ten feet from me, and he must have heard every foul word I know. How could they do that? I had tickets to see them the very next night. They stood in the exact same places, said the exact same things between songs, and played the exact same setlist. In '92, I saw them 3 times in the same week, and it was different every night. It was because they were still having fun. It's become 'work' for them now. I've heard the clips for the new songs, and it sounds like they tuned everything down and sped up the music so they can fit in with all the new shit that's out there. I'm not impressed. Lars may be kicking the double bass, but he's not playing anything spectacular. He needs some lessons from Vinny Paul! What happened to James' growl? Why does he think he can sing all of the sudden? I want the growl back!! Kirk sounds like he's just given up. The cool riffs and explosive solos are history. I think that's why Jason Newsted went to play with Ozzy. He wants to see a real guitar player every night. Zakk Wylde rules!