SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — For rock fans, the Super Bowl came one day early. Metallica’s explosive, eclectic set at “The Night Before” by CBS Radio provided lucky attendees with as much excitement as any iconic Super Bowl showdown.

Metallica’s almost two and a half hour set at AT&T Park thrilled fans with energetic performances of iconic hits from their three decade long career, including “The Unforgiven”, “One”, “Battery”, and “Master of Puppets”.

James Hetfield’s voice still boomed and growled, Kirk Hammett still shredded the guitar at blindingly fast speeds, and Lars Ulrich still banged the drums with a level of ferocity that only Animal of The Muppets could possibly match.

Not to be left out, bassist Robert Trujillo proved his rock legitimacy with a mid-show, sneer-filled bass solo.

The lights, lasers, and music-coordinated visuals elevated an already stellar concert to new heights – particularly, the five gigantic screens behind the stage that gave those sitting up in View Reserve, and possibly even residents of Potrero Hill, a chance to feel like they were in the front row.

However, beyond the extraordinary musicianship, entrancing effects, and a career-spanning set list, there was something even more special about Saturday’s show.

Metallica has called the Bay Area home for more than 30 years; Hammett even grew up in the East Bay.

The band clearly seemed as excited as the audience to be playing a show at AT&T Park – affectionately referred to as “The Yard” by Hetfield – and they aimed to please their loyal, local fan base.

For the record, Metallica did open for The Rolling Stones at AT&T Park back in 2005, but on this night, they were the main attraction.

Metallica’s encore ended with their arguably most popular, wide-reaching song “Enter Sandman,” which was appropriately fueled by pyrotechnics and a fireworks show.

With every member of the band personally, and sincerely, addressing the crowd as he left the stage – and the promise of a new album due out, soon – no one left AT&T Park dissatisfied.

Well, possibly except the unlucky fans that were unable to snag one of the exclusive shirts at the merchandise booth that are now likely selling for double, or triple, their worth on eBay.

About a third of the way through the concert, Hetfield asked the crowd “Do you want HEAVY?!”.

After receiving a universal ‘yes’, Hetfield promised the crowd that Metallica would give them HEAVY.

For a show aptly called “Too Heavy 4 Halftime” by the band, the heavy metal gods that are Metallica did not disappoint.

Special thanks to CBS Radio’s Kristina Quintos for making this review possible, and CBS Radio for making the show possible.

Set list:

Creeping Death

For Whom the Bell Tolls

Fuel

King Nothing

Ride the Lightning

The Unforgiven

The Memory Remains

Sanitarium

Sad but True

Wherever I May Roam

One

Master of Puppets

Battery

Fade to Black

Seek and Destroy

Whiskey in the Jar

Nothing Else Matters

Enter Sandman