“The show conveys a far different feeling than just ‘Lose your mind, mosh, and go crazy.’”

Metallica’s James Hetfield said why his favourite song to perform live is Still Nothing Else Matters off the band’s iconic Black Album.

72 Seasons, the band’s eleventh studio album, was released back in April. In support of the album, the metal group has also started a world tour, which is scheduled to last until 2024. During their tour, the band plays “no repeat” weekends in every city they visit.

In a conversation with bassist Robert Trujillo on an edition of The Metallica Report, Hetfield reveals the songs that he would most want to perform live: “It depends on the performance and my mood. Love playing tunes like Lux Aeterna and 72 Seasons,” he says (via Ultimate Guitar).

“I think Shadows Follow is the next one that I really like.” It’s not your usual tune; it’s just pushing and moving onward. It is important that you pay attention to it because there are minor details that you must occasionally keep in mind.

Later on, he says, “I always like playing Nothing Else Matters.” People can be seen crying and hugging one other. The show conveys a far different feeling than merely “Lose your mind, mosh, and go crazy.” It is similar to that, but it is internal, you know? I adore witnessing people’s emotional openness throughout that song.

Shadows Follow, one of Hetfield’s favourite songs to perform live, and subtly alludes to Batman. A guitar riff around the 4.20 timestamp on the track has drawn comparisons from certain fans to the theme song from the 1960s Batman TV show.

In an interview for Total Guitar’s year-end print issue, Hammett stated that this was done on purpose: We dubbed that riff “The Batman Riff,” so that’s extremely humorous, he remarked. “And I am fully aware of the topic you are discussing.”

Visit Metallica’s official website to view all of their upcoming 2024 live dates.