Metallica is introducing an exciting change to their M72 tour this weekend. Instead of the usual two performances in a North American city, the legendary band will deliver a single show, marking a distinctive shift from their previous “no repeat” performances that commenced in August 2023. This decision adds an element of surprise and anticipation for fans eager to experience Metallica live in concert.

The band has consistently showcased an impressive repertoire of 16 songs each night, amounting to an astonishing total of 32 songs per city during the tour. If you were tasked with the challenge of narrowing down their extensive set list to just half, which iconic tracks would you select? This intriguing question was posed to five of our dedicated writers, and their insights can be explored below. To kick off the discussion, here’s a recap of the set lists from their recent American M72 shows, specifically from last fall in Seattle:

1) In nearly every city, “Creeping Death” has consistently served as the opening track on the first night, while “Whiplash” has been the opener for the second night. Which of these tracks stands out as the superior choice for a one-night performance? Alternatively, is there another song that might fulfill this role more effectively?

Matthew Wilkening: Both tracks are exceptional choices for opening a show. Metallica possesses an extensive catalog with two dozen potential opening songs. If limited to just these options, my preference would lean towards “Creeping Death.” However, I have an even stronger candidate in mind, which I will reveal in response to the next question.

Corey Irwin: I’m fully aware that my choice may ruffle some feathers among die-hard Metallica fans. For this one-off show, I want a set filled with hit after hit, something Metallica has plenty of in their arsenal. Therefore, for my opener, let’s kick things off with “Master of Puppets.” The energy this song generates is electrifying, unless, of course, you’re one of the unfortunate individuals who arrives late due to parking issues.

Bryan Rolli: To be transparent, I received an insider tip during my experience at Power Trip, where Metallica brilliantly condensed their No Repeat Weekend into one unforgettable festival set. I can attest that “Whiplash” is a phenomenal opener. Its steadily building double-bass intro incites a primal frenzy among the audience. Following it up with “Creeping Death” was a flawless combination, and I plan to borrow that dynamic pairing for my own ideal set list.

Matt Wardlaw: While I believe both tracks are perfect for opening, I’ve always appreciated a good surprise from Metallica. In that spirit, I think it would be incredible if they chose “Seek and Destroy” as the opener. Some might argue that this could alienate more casual fans, but I disagree. Both “Creeping Death” and “Whiplash” are equally profound, and that’s what makes them thrilling as opening songs. By starting with “Seek and Destroy,” they could convey a message of taking risks with their set list.

Chuck Armstrong: This is a challenging decision. Both songs are nearly flawless openers for various reasons. However, as much as I admire “Creeping Death” for its ability to captivate the audience right from the start, I would lean towards “Whiplash” as the superior choice for a one-night Metallica performance. Its relentless pace and intensity set the stage for everything that follows. Plus, having tens of thousands of fans chanting, “We’ll never stop, we’ll never quit, ’cause we’re Metallica,” before the song concludes is an exhilarating experience.

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2) Additionally, “Master of Puppets” has been the closing track for almost every first-night performance, while “Enter Sandman” takes that role on the second night. Which of these iconic tracks deserves the title of the ultimate closer? Is there another, possibly better option available?

Wilkening: Once again, both tracks are fantastic options, and either would ensure the crowd leaves happy. Clearly, if Metallica is performing a single show in your city, they must include both of these immensely popular songs. So, as previously hinted, my answer to both of these questions is this: they should kick off with “Enter Sandman,” which is perfect for that role, and conclude with “Puppets.”

Irwin: Since I’ve already selected “Master of Puppets” as my opener, let’s keep “Enter Sandman” for the final song. This strategic arrangement of starting and finishing with arguably the two most iconic tracks in Metallica’s collection provides a solid foundation for an unforgettable concert experience.

Rolli: While I don’t harbor any disdain for the Black Album, personally, I could go without hearing “Enter Sandman” again. Nevertheless, I’m fully aware of its status as one of Metallica’s most cherished and significant songs. Interestingly, “Master of Puppets” has also gained immense popularity recently, especially after its feature in the Stranger Things season 4. Nowadays, both songs resonate powerfully with mainstream audiences, each boasting over a billion streams on Spotify. As I have a preference for “Puppets,” I’m placing it last, following “Enter Sandman.”

Wardlaw: I would be thrilled to see them close with “One” or even “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Having witnessed them conclude shows with both “Sandman” and “Puppets,” I understand the reasoning behind it—the energy is undeniable. However, I believe fans would be just as excited to experience a finale with “One” or “Bells.”

Armstrong: Personally, I envision Metallica wrapping up the night with “Seek & Destroy.” While “Master” and “Sandman” are legendary tracks, they deserve their own spots earlier in the set list. “Seek & Destroy” represents a celebration of Metallica’s history and their devoted fan base, making it the perfect song to conclude a one-night performance.

3) Here’s the pivotal question: If you had to distill Metallica’s typical two-night, 32-song set list into a single 16-song performance, which tracks would you retain, and in what sequence? To maintain focus, let’s limit this to songs they’ve performed a minimum of 10 times during the M72 tour thus far. Additionally, be sure to include at least three songs from ’72 Seasons’:

Wilkening: It’s remarkable how Metallica can deliver two completely different sets, both brimming with hits. However, when it comes to condensing it into one night, the task becomes truly impressive. I must admit, my set might not be the most dynamic, partly because I believe “Nothing Else Matters” should be buried deep and “Wherever I May Roam” can take a swim in a lake. Nonetheless, fans will undoubtedly leave satisfied.

1. “Enter Sandman”
2. “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
3. “Creeping Death”
4. “72 Seasons”
5. “Whiplash”
6. “Lux Aeterna”
7. Kirk and Rob Doodle
8. “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)”
9. “Screaming Suicide”
10. “Moth Into Flame”
11. “Ride the Lightning”
12. “Sad But True”
13. “Fuel”
14. “Seek and Destroy”
15. “One”
16. “Master of Puppets”

Irwin: The two-night, no-repeat version of the M72 tour allowed Metallica to explore deeper cuts from their extensive catalog. This arrangement felt perfectly tailored for their most devoted fans. However, the single-night format appeals more to the casual Metallica listener. A 16-song set offers little room for lesser-known album tracks. Instead, it’s packed with hit after hit—perfect for headbanging. My proposed set list heavily features classics, with only two modern songs: “Lux Æterna” (from 2023’s 72 Seasons) and “The Day That Never Comes” (from 2008’s Death Magnetic). Who could possibly complain about a set filled with ‘80s and ‘90s classics? I doubt anyone would. It would have been nice to include “Hardwired,” but I wouldn’t remove anything from this all-killer, no-filler collection.

1. “Master of Puppets”
2. “Lux Æterna”
3. “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
4. “One”
5. “Sad But True”
6. “Seek & Destroy”
7. “Fade to Black”
8. “Ride the Lightning”
9. “Fuel”
10. “Nothing Else Matters”
11. “Whiplash”
12. “Wherever I May Roam”
13. “Orion”
14. “The Unforgiven”
15. “The Day That Never Comes”
16. “Enter Sandman”

Rolli: It is absolutely feasible to design an “all-killer” Metallica set while still incorporating dynamic elements. As previously stated, the opening duo of “Whiplash” and “Creeping Death” works seamlessly, setting the stage for a deeper dive into some mid-tempo classics that still pack a punch. Drawing inspiration from Power Trip, I’m opting for two 72 Seasons tracks rather than three, and designating the only other post-Black Album slot to “Fuel.” (I doubt anyone would mind.) This track would also ignite a race to the finish filled with genuine thrash classics. While there are certainly deep cuts I’d love to include, this single set strikes the ideal balance of crowd-pleasing anthems and exhilarating headbanging.

1. “Whiplash”
2. “Creeping Death”
3. “Sad But True”
4. “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
5. “Lux Aeterna”
6. “Harvester of Sorrow”
7. “Shadows Follow”
8. “Fade to Black”
9. “Wherever I May Roam”
10. “One”
11. “Fuel”
12. “Ride the Lightning”
13. “Battery”
14. “Seek & Destroy”
15. “Enter Sandman”
16. “Master of Puppets”

Wardlaw: Analyzing the set lists from the two nights above truly highlights the challenge Metallica faces in crafting a running order that adequately represents their more than 40-year legacy. I would love to see them incorporate just one additional song slot for a rotating deep cut. Can you imagine slipping “Phantom Lord” or “Jump in the Fire” into the set? The possibilities would be thrilling. However, given the length of the show, I know the crowd would be ecstatic to end the night with “Seek & Destroy.”

1. “Creeping Death”
2. “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
3. “Harvester of Sorrow”
4. “King Nothing”
5. “Lux Aeterna”
6. “Shadows Follow”
7. Kirk and Rob Doodle
8. “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)”
9. “Wherever I May Roam”
10. “Sad But True”
11. “Fuel”
12. “72 Seasons”
13. “Blackened”
14. “Master of Puppets”
15. “Enter Sandman”
16. “Seek & Destroy”

Armstrong: Since this is the M72 tour, my set list leans heavily toward tracks from the new album while still incorporating some of the biggest hits from the band’s illustrious career, along with a few relatively deep cuts—deep for a single night performance. If you’re fortunate enough to witness “Whiplash” into “Leper Messiah” into “Blackened,” you might just experience the greatest opening trio in any Metallica concert history. Not to mention a finale featuring “Sad But True,” “Master of Puppets,” and “Seek & Destroy”—this isn’t merely a potential setlist, this is a dream setlist.

1. “Whiplash”

2. “Leper Messiah”

3. “Blackened”

4. “Until It Sleeps”

5. “If Darkness Had a Son”

6. “Lux Aeterna”

7. “72 Seasons”

8. “Enter Sandman”

9. “For Whom the Bell Tolls”

10. “Orion”

11. “Harvester of Sorrow”

12. “Battery”

12. “Too Far Gone?”

13. “Fuel”

14. “Sad But True”

15. “Master of Puppets”

16. “Seek & Destroy”