Metallica – Enter Sandman Live Moscow 1991
The Metallica performance of “Enter Sandman” in Moscow during the 1991 ‘Monsters of Rock’ festival is remembered as one of the most momentous events in the history of live rock concerts. This event took place at a critical time in Russian history, just before the dissolution of the Soviet Union, adding to its historical significance.
Held at the Tushino Airfield in Moscow, this concert was part of the Monsters of Rock series, which had begun in 1980 as a celebration of heavy metal music. The 1991 Moscow festival was particularly noteworthy for being one of the largest concerts ever, with an estimated 1.6 million attendees. This massive crowd size was a rarity, exceeded only by a few other events, such as a Jean-Michel Jarre concert in Moscow in 1997.
The lineup for the 1991 Moscow festival included renowned bands like AC/DC, The Black Crowes, and Mötley Crüe. However, it was Metallica that particularly captured the audience’s attention, drawing in the vast majority of the fans. Their performance, especially of “Enter Sandman,” was electric, marking a significant moment in the band’s career.
The concert was a spectacle not just for the music but also for the atmosphere it created. The presence of military personnel mingling with the crowd, shedding their uniforms to enjoy the music, was a striking image of the times. The concert was later commemorated in a film titled “For Those About Rock: Monsters in Moscow,” which included footage of these legendary performances.
Metallica’s set at the festival was more than just a musical performance; it was a powerful cultural moment, symbolizing a significant period of change in Russia and highlighting the universal appeal of rock music. This performance has continued to resonate with fans and music historians alike, maintaining its legendary status decades later
