After nearly four decades, Metallica proves that they still enjoy setting the bar high and challenging themselves as musicians. Metallica’s live performances have become legendary. They have never stopped giving back and paying special tribute to their fans all around the world. Metallica demonstrates that they enjoy stepping outside of their comfort zone by performing special covers such as, “Dancing Queen” by Abba in Sweden. “Take on Me” by AHA in Norway, Rammstein’s “Engel” in Berlin and the work of Ivan Mladec in Prague.
Metallica carried on this tradition by surprising and electrifying their fans in Moscow while performing at Luzhniki Sports Stadium on their WorldWIred Tour. On July 21st, in the middle of the concert. bassist Robert Trujillo and lead guitarist Kirk Hammett broke into “Gruppa Krovi” (Blood Type) by the revered, beloved and respected Russian musician / songwriter Viktor Tsoi.
Viktor Tsoi and his band Kino gained much popularity during the ’80’s. Tsoi’s song “Changes” became anthem of real change. Mikhail Gorbachev adopted the song as an anthem during Perestroika and he would go on to change the face of Russian politics forever.
Almost by accident, (the song “Changes” was originally about personal change.) Tsoi became a cult hero and revolutionary figure. Like Marc Boland from T-Rex, Tsoi’s career was cut short when he was killed in a car accident in 1991. Metallica’s cover proves that Tsoi’s music still resonates and lives strong in the hearts and minds of the Russian people.
This was no easy feat for vocalist Trujillo to accomplish. He had to first translate the words into Latin and then break it down phonetically. But the reaction of the crowd shows that they appreciated the effort that Metallica made for a show that will never be forgotten by the Russian fans in Moscow.
Metallica lice atLuzhniki Sports Stadium in Moscow, Russia, 2019.
