Author: Dr. Walter S. Zapotoczny Jr.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 23, 2025  

It was more than just a concert. It was a full-blown sonic and visual experience as Metallica stormed Lincoln Financial Field Friday night on the first of two dates in their much-hyped “M72 World Tour.” With over 50,000 multi-generational fans in attendance, the night was a blistering showcase of the band’s enduring power and their willingness to evolve even four decades into their career. 

Three-story-high, cutting-edge LED screens transformed the entire stadium. Suddenly, every seat was the best seat in the house. These visuals didn’t just support the performance—they became part of the story. 

Metallica kicked off the evening with “Creeping Death,” a Biblical tale turned metal classic that hit like a thunderbolt. From there, the setlist traveled through time, covering all eras of their discography. Staples like “Harvester of Sorrow,” “Fuel,” and “Sad but True” kept the old-school faithful happy, but it was the inclusion of newer tracks like “If Darkness Had a Son” and the title track “72 Seasons” that added freshness to the show’s familiar formula. 

The 2023 album 72 Seasons served as both a thematic and sonic backbone of the concert. As front man James Hetfield has explained, the title refers to the first 18 years of life—72 seasons of formative experiences. The maturity and introspection of this theme could be felt throughout the night, especially in darker, emotionally heavier songs like “The Day That Never Comes” and “Orion,” the latter an instrumental tribute to late bassist Cliff Burton that remains hauntingly beautiful. 

The emotional peak of the night may well have been “Seek and Destroy.” All four members—Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo—clustered together in the Snake Pit, recreating the gritty intimacy of their garage days. The moment was raw, real, and exhilarating. For fans close enough to reach out and touch Hetfield, it was unforgettable. 

The musicianship was flawless. Hetfield’s voice is still a thunderous growl, Ulrich’s drumming sharp and relentless, Hammett’s solos blistering, and Trujillo a force of nature on bass. Pulling off a production of this size night after night isn’t just about the band—it takes a massive effort from a tight-knit touring and local crew, and Metallica made sure to tip their hats to them. 

While the show leaned heavily into the darkness that has always defined the band’s aesthetic, the atmosphere was anything but depressing. There’s a strange kind of joy that pulses through a Metallica crowd—a intense sense of unity forged through shared struggles and triumphs. When Metallica launched into ‘Nothing Else Matters,’ the stadium was transformed. Tens of thousands of cell phone lights flickered to life, dancing like a sea of fireflies in the dark, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the crowd. It was a moment of collective stillness, as if time paused and 50,000 hearts beat to the same melody. 

If the first night of Metallica’s Philly takeover was any indication, this isn’t a nostalgia act on autopilot—it’s a living, breathing, headbanging beast of a band that still has a lot to say. And on this night in South Philly, they said it loud and clear. 

Photo credit by: Aaylan Zapotoczny 

Walter Zapotoczny is an author, historian, and local music fan. He can be reached at mail@wzaponline.com. 

HERSHEY, PA – May 9, 2025
Under the glow of lasers and the pulse of perfectly synced sound, Brit Floyd returned to the Hershey Pennsylvania at the Giant Center on Friday night treating a crowd of 3,500 to a mesmerizing celebration of Pink Floyd’s legacy. The evening marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic Wish You Were Here album, and the band delivered a show as ambitious as the music it honored.

Getting ready for sound check, musical director Damian Darlington was on stage making some last-minute adjustments to the lighting rig. “I am a perfectionist,” he said underscoring what sets Brit Floyd apart: a deep, almost obsessive commitment to accuracy and atmosphere.

From the first note, it was clear—this wasn’t just a tribute; it was a resurrection. Brit Floyd’s signature production values were on full display, from the award-winning laser and light show to the massive circular screen projecting original Pink Floyd visuals. Every beam of light, every ripple of color, was intricately programmed and timed to match the music, making for a completely immersive experience.
The band launched into Wish You Were Here, including “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” “Have a Cigar,” “Welcome to the Machine,” and of course, the hauntingly emotional title track. The audience was spellbound, erupting into applause and standing ovations throughout the night.

Bass player Ian Cattell anchored the sound with his signature blend of finesse and power, switching seamlessly between his new headless Washburn Status and his classic Fender Precision. Cattell also handled lead vocals on several tracks, channeling the spirit of the original performances with both reverence and originality. Damian Darlington, switching effortlessly between lead guitar and lap steel, delivered soaring solos that drew waves of applause and cheers from the crowd. Edo Scordo added his own guitar wizardry, while Ryan Saranich’s saxophone solos soared—each note delivered with expressive nuance and impeccable control, adding depth and emotion that resonated throughout the arena.

The show’s emotional peak came during “The Great Gig in the Sky.” Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila, joined by former Pink Floyd backing vocalist Machan Taylor, stunned the crowd with a vocal performance that built from delicate to explosive. Their harmonies brought the house to its feet, a truly magical moment in a night full of them

Keyboardist Matt Riddle and drummer Arran Ahmun laid down a flawless rhythmic foundation, faithfully channeling the spirit of Pink Floyd’s Richard Wright and Nick Mason. The backing vocalists Eva, Machan, and Genevieve Little enriched the soundscape with lush harmonies. Together, the ensemble embodied what Rolling Stone has dubbed “the world’s premiere Pink Floyd experience.”

At the end of the show, Damian’s guitar solo of “Comfortably Numb” had the crowd on their feet asking for more. If the roar of the Hershey audience was any indication, that legacy is alive and well. And for one unforgettable night, Brit Floyd made sure no one forgot what made Pink Floyd’s music so transcendent in the first place.

Photo credit by: Aaylan Zapotoczny

Walter Zapotoczny is an author, historian, and local Pink Floyd fan. He can be reached at mail@wzaponline.com.

GRANTVILLE PA, August 25, 2023 — Brit Floyd founder and musical director Damian Darlington told me “It’s not just about the music, it’s about the multi-media experience.” Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” album release, the band presented flawlessly executed tracks from the Pink Floyd catalog, showcasing musical mastery from start to encore and highlighting the band’s remarkable musical expertise.

The sound was perfect throughout the concert. Video projections on the immense circular screen and choreographed fog and dancing lights added to the experience, as they played to a sold-out crowd at the Penn Heros Stage at Hollywood Casino. Everyone had a good seat in the outdoor space and the staff was very courteous and helpful.

Brit Floyd vocalist Eva Avila earned a standing ovation for her thrilling performance of “The Great Gig in The Sky” from Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” album. Bassist Ian Cattle played homage to Roger Waters with his vocals. Edo Scordo’s guitar solos were inspiring and Ryan Saranich’s soulful saxophone solos created unique and memorable experiences on their own. 

The energy kept climbing from the start, leading to more standing ovations as Brit Floyd performed the Pink Floyd classics and dug deep in the Pink Floyd playlist to thrill the crowd with their faultless musical talent. Images of co-founder Syd Barret beamed on the screen as the band performed “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” while the crowd reveled in Matt Riddle’s keyboard skills. Damian told me that his favorite Pink Floyd song to play is “Comfortably Numb.” The second set ended with his flawless guitar solo of the David Gilmour classic producing another standing ovation by the crowd.

If you like Pink Floyd’s music, attending a Brit Floyd concert in your town is a must. The immersive experience they offer is unforgettable, making it an event that will linger in your memory. Don’t miss the opportunity to be captivated by their incredible performance.

Walter Zapotoczny is an author, historian, and local Pink Floyd fan. He can be reached at mail@wzaponline.com.

Photo credit: Aaylan Zapotoczny