Metallica Shines At Day On The Green 1985: Cliff Burton’s Iconic Performance Elevates For Whom The Bell Tolls

The performance of “For Whom the Bell Tolls” by Metallica at the Day on the Green festival on August 31, 1985, in Oakland, California, is one of the band’s most legendary live moments. This concert was significant not only for Metallica but also for the heavy metal genre, as it showcased the band on a major stage during a pivotal time in their career.

Day on the Green, organized by the iconic promoter Bill Graham, was known for its large-scale, multi-artist concerts, and Metallica’s 1985 performance helped cement their reputation as a formidable live act. At this point, Metallica was touring to promote their second album, “Ride the Lightning,” which had already garnered critical acclaim and a growing fan base. The concert featured a setlist that included other classics like “Creeping Death,” “Ride the Lightning,” and “Fade to Black,” but it was the performance of “For Whom the Bell Tolls” that stood out, particularly because of bassist Cliff Burton’s unforgettable solo.

Cliff Burton’s contribution to the performance was nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his unique playing style and stage presence, Burton opened “For Whom the Bell Tolls” with a powerful and intricate bass solo that has since become iconic. His performance that day, captured in part by MTV, highlighted his talent and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest bassists in metal history. Tragically, Burton’s life was cut short in a bus accident the following year, making these moments all the more poignant for fans.

The concert also marked one of Metallica’s first major stadium shows, exposing them to a broader audience and setting the stage for their future success. The band’s raw energy and aggressive sound captivated the crowd, many of whom were seeing Metallica live for the first time. This performance is often cited by fans and critics as a pivotal moment in Metallica’s rise to prominence.

The setlist from that day included:
– The Ecstasy of Gold (Ennio Morricone)
– Creeping Death
– Ride the Lightning
– For Whom the Bell Tolls (with Cliff Burton’s bass solo)
– The Four Horsemen
– Fade to Black
– Seek & Destroy
– Whiplash

This performance at Day on the Green is not only a testament to Metallica’s musical prowess but also a snapshot of the band’s early days, capturing their hunger and determination to dominate the metal scene. It remains a cherished memory for those who were there and a historic highlight for Metallica fans worldwide.