Met in LA

The Boys are back in town!

Los Angeles CA Sep 24th, 2023

It all started as I was nearing landing at the airport here in Los Angeles after my trip to Arlington. I couldn't help but gaze out the window and fixate on Sofi Stadium. As the plane got closer, a vivid image popped into my mind. Almost like clairvoyance, flashes of four men standing on a circular stage, encircled by eight towers, surrounded by a crowd of nearly 80 thousand people chanting along to the lyrics, "MASTER! MASTER!!!”

I knew that this weekend would be unforgettable but simultaneously filled with a few challenges. There are a lot of expectations when you're the local guy. Numerous friends turned to me for guidance, seeking directions, recommendations on sights to visit, where to stay, what to avoid, what time they should start lining up for the show, and if we could hang out. While I don't complain, as it has always been a pleasure to help, I was getting overwhelmed, pushing me almost to the brink of a breakdown. More on that in a minute, let's change the topic and explain why this was one of the greatest weekends I’ve experienced

As a prelude to Friday, I had the pleasure of reuniting with my dear friend Raquel, whom I hadn't seen since the Blackened Whiskey meet and greet with Lars right before the pandemic. Accompanying her was her lovely niece, Destria, whom I was excited to meet again. I felt an immense sense of pride for both of them, but particularly for Raquel. You see, I've known for years that she has a fear of flying, to the extent that during her previous trip to Los Angeles, she endured a grueling 10+ hour bus ride each way. However, this time, she faced her fear and completed the journey in a mere 1.5 hours by plane. After dropping them off at the Airbnb, I rushed back to the airport to pick up another close friend of mine, none other than Sacha, who you might remember from my previous blog. We caught up briefly during the drive to her hotel before I returned to get Raquel and Destria for dinner. Naturally, our dining experience was nothing short of fancy as we stopped at a street taco stand and stuffed ourselves with some burritos!

On Friday, I managed to leave work early enough to pick up Quel and Des, as I had promised to take care of them for the weekend. We parked near the venue and walked amongst the fans towards Sofi Stadium. Finally, we made it inside.
As usual, I started to recognize familiar faces and greeted them as I passed by. Knowing that there was no way we could be by the rail, we hung back and relaxed. A few minutes later, Lee Jeffries approached the girls and asked for a picture. Luckily, I was able to capture that interaction on film.
Speaking of film, yes, I shot another roll, well, kinda, not all of it was Metallica, and not all of it came out good, I got some unexpected light leaks that made some of the pictures look cool. “Happy little accidents” my brother would say, quoting Bob Ross.
Our plan for the night was to follow the band as they moved between their four stations counterclockwise, the girls followed my lead, and we managed to stay somewhat close to the band, the only thing I was worried about was Destrias’s height, you see, she’s only 11 years old, so Quel and I would pick her up from time to time so she could see or even snap a couple of pics. She was just a blur of black hair all show long! such a passionate headbanger! Absolutely adorable!
Then Just like Déjà vu the night concluded with everyone shouting Master, MASTER!!

Saturday was hectic! I went back to pick up the girls for breakfast, but before that, I had to meet up with Randy who was taking Dino Muradian, to the airport. Turns out, Dino is the brilliant artist responsible for the stunning pyrography on James's Ktulu, Snakeskin, and Unforgiven guitars. We chatted for a bit and shared a few laughs, then before they left I shared with Dino some Instax pictures I had taken of James playing the guitars he had worked on. In return, he kindly gifted me a couple of guitar picks.
After bidding farewell to Dino and Randy, I went to go get the girls so we could go to Pann’s Restaurant, my old workplace, as we walked in I was greeted with smiles from some familiar faces. They treated us exceptionally well, I left stuffed!!! We rushed towards the Sunset Strip afterward, as we had a full afternoon scheduled, First on the list was a visit to "And Tributes for All" at the Whisky a Go Go. Sandman and Damage Inc kicked ass, but my heart will always have a soft spot for my Brothers of Motorbreath, whom I’ve seen since 2013 or 2014. Following that, we made our way to The Rainbow, where we intended to eat, drink and relax. At this point, I have to admit that I reached a breaking point, at least momentarily. Despite being mentally strong, the combination of sleep deprivation, stress, slight dehydration, and the constant barrage of noise, chatter, and questions from people around me almost pushed me over the edge. The sensory overload was taking a toll on me, but I still wanted to be there. I desperately needed a break. I gathered myself and went outside towards the street lit a cigarette, drank water, and walked for a bit. After calming down, I went back and kept going. It was all fine after that; it was just that moment at the beginning that almost got me. After spending hours at the Rainbow, we made our way towards The Viper Room to see one of the hottest and most badass shows I've ever seen at that venue. Bastardane and OTTTO brought it DOWN inside that oven! Drinks were flowing, Mosh pits broke loose, and sweat tears, and saliva were being shared by the second! It was raw, wild, and primal, I loved every second of it!! James was there to watch Bastardane and left afterward, but Jerry Cantrell and Rob T endured the heat all the way through to see OTTTO finish the night! Then we all briefly went back to The Rainbow to bid our goodnights.

Sunday morning arrived, and I prepared to pick up the girls again. Fortunately, it wasn't as early this time. I had planned to take them to the Natural History Museum but somehow ended up at the Science Center instead XD. Nonetheless, we had a fantastic time and managed to make it back to Sofi just in time for the show.
We stuck with the same formula from Friday since it worked so well, and followed the band around as they came out blasting that double slap Intro of Whiplash into Bellz, So kick ass!! And then Ride into Window? Ufff, we were having a BLAST!! But the definitive highlights of the night for me were Fight Fire with Fire into Whiskey in the Jar!! That was outstanding and sooo fun!! The boys finished the night with Sandman. And just like that, our Metallica weekend came to an end, but not without a lot of joy and good memories.
Good things come to those who try, especially those who face their fears!
I want to express my deep gratitude to Quel and Des for making the effort and having the courage to come visit. It has been an absolute pleasure to be your companion this whole weekend. And to all the amazing people I've met over the years, those who traveled from near and far, I want you to know that having you all in my hometown was delightful. I appreciate each and every one of you.
Love and respect!
Next stop, Phoenix!