Item Detail

Rare and exclusive photographs fill the pages of this visual history of Metallica’s debut shows in San Francisco. Influenced musically by the new breed of British metal, yet epitomizing the punk rock scene, the band's loud, snotty, and dismissive attitude is evident everywhere in these photographs that document six of the legendary band's earliest performances. Tracing the band's growth, there are shots of Dave Mustaine and Ron McGovney playing together, Cliff Burton's introductory gig with the band at The Stone, the last Metallica show with Dave Mustaine, and Kirk Hammett's Metallica debut. Behind the camera is the book's author, who was invited behind the scenes to hang out and photograph the band’s brazen energy in concert, as well as their crazy and unpredictable backstage antics. Shot without the safety of a photo pit, many of the photographs are close-ups of wild crowds as they head-bang fearlessly to the music of their local heroes. Perfect for browsing, the collection is interesting in its contribution to music history, for its intriguing photography, and as a documentary on the youth culture in the Bay area during the 1980s.