My friend, Bobby, and I left Salem, VA around 11:30 am and headed for Charlottesville. The last show we trekked together was in '96 for Loadapollooza @ Rockingham Dragway in Rockingham, NC. That was a long, long time ago. [Ed. In a galaxy far, far away?] I have been motivated about this show for many months, and the show was only 7 hours away from starting. On the drive to Charlottesville, we jammed on later 90's heavy stuff like Dangerous Toys, Jackyl, Machine Head and even some Suicidal Tendencies! I even brought my favorite Willie Nelson CD just in case we got lost! HA HA HA!!! Just so the vibe would be different for the show.

I wasn't pumped for the opening bands - Gojira or Lamb of God. But by the time MetallicA hit the stage, I knew I would be ready. The last time I saw the Tallica guys was in 2004 in Roanoke when Godsmack opened up for them. So, I was VERY overdue for a Metallica show!!!

We got in town Charlottesville a little after 3:00 pm and immediately went to check in at the Econo Lodge. Many thanks to fellow Fueler Ryan for the hookup. Adjacent to the Econo Lodge was a restaurant. Pre-gig beers is a favorite pastime...no, a favorite TRADITION of mine before a gig!

We had a few beers, then went to drop our stuff at the hotel room. Then we went to Ruby Tuesday's for some food and more beer. I met three Fuelers there, but I apologize for not remembering your names. You know who you are, and you three were very cool! Skip ahead 2.5 hours and we were still at there finishing up our meal and drinks. It was time to go stand in line!

Once Bobby and I got in the early entry line, Bobby asked a security guard if we could take cameras in. She said yes. So Bobby quickly ran back to the hotel room, grabbed our cameras, and then got back in line in a flash.

Once inside, I got to see Jeff up against the barrier when we got to the floor. I shot a pic of Jeff (Sorry, but the pic didn't turn out.) and then headed to find a spot on the floor.

I ran into a friend of mine, Jamie (Sorry, forgot your married name.) on the floor as well. I snapped a couple pics of Bobby and I, the stage, the beer table, the...okay, skip ahead again past Gojira and Lamb of God. It's on to the real show!

I was so pumped before the show started I was shaking. However, I was dissapointed that I didn't hear AC/DC's "It's a Long Way to the Top If You wanna Rock-n-Roll". I've gotten used to hearing that for many years now. But, Ecstacy of Gold is a attention grabber. Then, I could faintly here the heartbeat to the intro of "That Was Just Your Life." But I could hear the sound bites really good, then the break and James was there!!!

I will end this "I-wanna-be-like-Lars-babble-session" with this:

• I liked all of the Death Magnetic songs they played. I really needed to hear "All Nightmare Long", though.

• "Trapped Under Ice" was very cool. I would have liked to heard the "Justice Medley" again. Thats the only song on "Binge" that gets played.

• I wanted to see the Cliff Burton guitar up close, but, oh well. I settle for a great shot of the Ken Lawrence Explorer. (No relation to me, damn it!)

• I did catch a beachball during "Seek" by elbowing someone to get it. My oldest daughter, Rylie, watched the video for "Broken, Beat, and Scarred" with me before I left town for the show, and she said, "Will you get me one Daddy?". That's all I needed to hear.

I hope to see more of you soon at a event or show. God Bless. LET US PLEASE NOT FORGET ABOUT THE VA TECH STUDENT STILL MISSING FROM THIS GIG.