The drive from Tampa to Atlanta was fairly long for back-to-back shows. When we got to Atlanta we sought to thwart a repeat of the multiple line problem we experienced in Tampa, so I got in the Will Call line, and everybody else got in the GA early entry line. Once will call opened and I got my tickets I went over to the GA line and switched places. I think this was my worst GA line experience ever. There was a crack-head in line right by us who talked NON-STOP. After listening to him babble on about nothing without stopping to take breath for several hours, my head was about to implode. To top it off, a couple came up to him right before they were about to open the doors and offered him $20 to let them cut in line in front of him.

On the flip-side, there was a really cool family in line right behind us, who also could not stand Mr. Crack-Head. They had brought their son to his first show for his birthday present along with some of his friends. We had all decided that when the doors open we would try to get away from Mr. Crack-Head. The plan worked and Mr. Crack-Head ended up being out of earshot from all of us when we got down to the floor. Unfortunately, after being on the floor for about 30 mintues, Mr. Crack-Head's long lost cousin, Ms. Needs-Attention, showed up next to the family that was in line behind us and forced her way up to rail by being belligerent. I dare say she was as annoying, if not moreso, than Mr. Crack-Head. For once, I was actually looking forward to Gojira playing, so that they would at least drown out this woman's constant screaming. Even Lamb of God was a welcome sound compared to incessant drivel that we'd already been subjected to during the day.

(picture courtesy of MetOnTour.com)

As for Metallica's performance, it was as solid as ever. "Blackened," "No Remorse," and "Hit the Lights" topped the highlights. I still had to wait to hear "Judas Kiss" or "My Apocalypse," but it ended up I didn't have to wait to long. The kid who was their for his first show and his family had a blast, although I'm not sure the dad was looking forward to any more shows in the near future. I hope Mr. Crack-Head and Ms. Needs-Attention were able to catch up after the show. If I never see either of them again, it will be too soon.

The Good: Another solid set, cool family taking their kid to see his first show
The Bad: Watching people pay somebody they don't even know to cut in line in front of hundreds of people who waited outside for hours
The Ugly: Mr. Crack-Head and Ms. Needs-Attention