Day two of Outside Lands 2017 came to a close last night with an electrifying performance by Metallica. Although graying a little, the heavy metal foursome still tore it up on stage performing a selection songs from their legendary older catalog, but also including a big chunk off of their latest Hardwired to Self Destruct. The show’s highlight had to be the Taiko drum circle performed during “Now That We’re Dead,” where are found band members formed into a circle to display their individual prowess for the instrument.
Cage the Elephant were on before them and I have to say stole the show. Matt Shultz’s performance was EPIC. He reminds me of a mix between Mick Jagger and Iggy Pop with probably both of their energy levels combined if you can imagine that. Their retro rock n’ roll sound is refreshing in today’s mostly electro-sounding climate and their songs are full of gigantic hooks making them perfect for a stage of this size.
One of the bigger bands opening the main stage this year was the English duo Royal Blood, who absolutely killed it. It still amazes how their lead singer Mike Kerr, can sing and hold down the groove of the songs with his bass while belting out guitar solos on the higher register of the instrument. Their drummer is equally gifted and graced the audience with a thunderous and unforgettable tribal solo midway into the performance.
The one big disappointment this year was the absence of Tribe Called Quest, which was first rescheduled from Friday to Saturday only to cancel altogether.
Check out some photos from the event below.
Photos courtesy of Louis Raphael
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