Metallica 2

We got the train up. And now that we know where we are going it was really quick to get across to The O2 Arena from Stratford International.  In fact a DLR and a tube only took 15 minutes including waiting on the platforms.   Coming back though...

We decided to "eat out" at Wagamama. Not cheap. Service though is very fast once you get in the door! Although TBH this is the first time we have had to queue. 

The chili fried squid was excellent, so too were the duck hoisin pancakes.  The main courses came first (!) and then we had everything on the table at the same time.  I had chicken katsu. To say it reminds of something my old she cat. Minnie,  used to leave for me in the kitchen sink if she was left in all day..... No don't go there.

However it tasted really good, the katsu, not the cat sh.........

Once that was over we went across to the Dome. Security was quite tight after the terrorist attacks but given that the MEN Arena bomber in Manchester simply walked in the front door, I can't say that I was feeling any safer than the "old days", when they simply wanted to stop you sneaking in your own booze or long lens cameras.

We bought some expensive bottles water. No bottle though, they poured it in to plastic glass, and some chocolate that must have been made of gold powder.

Before taking our seats.  Luckily although the O2 seats are some of the narrowest and and most uncomfortable ever made, we had a good view.

When the tickets went on sale it looked as though the stage was at one end as normal, Instead they had an "in the round" style stage right in the middle of the arena space.  Like a boxing ring without the ropes.

Claire is not a metal fan, and I have managed to get her interested in Bonamassa and she did enjoy (I think) Deep Purple (hope so as we are going again in November) and Black Sabbath.  Even The Damned!

They crashed and banged through the latest album, "Hardwired to Self Destruct" plus the hits from the 80's and 90's.  The sound up where we were in the upper level wasn't as good as I would have liked, even with one partially working ear! The vocals too "lost" in the music, unlike all the albums I have going back to the 80's like "Kill 'Em All".

The stage and the effects were simply magnificent.

The biggest annoyance are the people that seem to catch the entire concert through their phones.  The woman in front must have filmed the entire show.

Due to it being Sunday, and the trains stopping earlier, we had to leave during the encore at about 2230.  It meant we were destined to get the last trains home.  Luckily we managed that.  

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip. The Wagamama dinner and the concert.  Claire I suspect the dinner only.  

So roll on November 23rd and Deep Purple. Hopefully the sound will be better.

Unlike most of the people around me I have a phone that runs the battery down at the slightest touch, so I didn't take many pictures.  A girl in front of me seemed to film the entire show!