I always said...if they got the band back together, we'd get the band back together.
You might have heard, with that roar downtown on Monday night...that Metallica came to the Bradley Center. So since James, Lars and the gang reunited....it was time for the Rice Lake High Class of '88 to reunite as well.
I rounded up the tickets and the troops. Yes, some habits die hard...as myself, Andy (the beard gives him the mountain man look), Kyle 
(who did a pretty mean imitation of the Joker), and Zip (who believe it or not weighed 95 pounds soaking wet on the wrestling team once upon a time.)
It's always nice to go to concerts feeling old...to see very few people younger than you...and some of the people there that are the same age, are staring off into space as their kids jam to the music.
Needless to say, the black T-shirt is a staple for this show. And ear plugs? Well, I wore them for a minute...then took them out. I think my ears are still smoldering and ringing.
It's always good to get the old gang back together. Andy's the only one in Rice Lake...and with Zip in Green Bay, Kyle in Waupun (no, not in the facility if you know what I mean) and me here, it's not like going to the Homecoming Dance of 20 years ago. There are families, jobs, miles and logistics involved.
But we had a blast. Metallica seems re-energized and thankful to still be selling out arenas after all these years. And let me tell you...the in the round concept is killer. Our seats were awesome....close enough to feel the heat of the flames and the sweat of the band, yet far enough away from the mosh pit that we didn't break any bones or do a face plant into the Bradley Center concrete.
And after going through nearly 3 hours of bone crunching metal, and staying out and making a George Webb's stop until after 3am...I realize I'm quickly approaching 40. But have faith Journal bosses...I answered the call on Tuesday running on about 4 hours of sleep!
Next time, I think I'm going to Yanni or a Folk festival.
Anyone else have thoughts about the show, or your own concert memories? Email them to lallan@todaystmj4.com
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