'Music for outsiders': Metallica draws heavy metal fans to downtown Toronto

Heavy metal fans have descended on downtown Toronto this week for the return of the band Metallica.

The band, which last played in Toronto nearly eight years ago, was set to perform on Thursday night and again on Saturday night at the Rogers Centre. Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies were to open for the band on Thursday, while Limp Bizkit and Ice Nine Kills are set to open on Saturday. 

The shows are part of the band's M72 World Tour.

Toronto resident Doug Brown, who calls himself a Metallica super fan, said the band has a special ability to connect to fans.

Brown said Metallica was the first band he got into at the age of eight and he has been collecting Metallica memorabilia ever since. He was featured by the band in a YouTube video in 2017.

"Metallica is this one core love," Brown says.

"I've been to Atlantic City to see Metallica. It's something to do beyond the music. When you're with a whole bunch of people that share something in common, no matter what the type of music it is, it does feel like a bit of a family. These massive legacy bands, they tend to draw that out of people."

Brown said the band combined punk and metal music in its early days and continues to produce "music for outsiders."

Big name bands boost economy, expert says

Kelly Jackson, vice-president of destination development for Destination Toronto, said concerts featuring big names in the music industry have a huge impact on the city's local economy.

"When somebody comes to visit the city to go to a concert, they do so much more than just attend the show. They often go out to eat at a local restaurant, they might stay in a hotel, they might partake in shopping, they might go and see some of the other attractions in the city. There's a huge economic benefit to our businesses."

The band has also been hosting various events, called the "Toronto Takeover," in the downtown core to celebrate its return.

These include a pop-up shop featuring band merchandise at The Well until Saturday.

On Friday, lead Guitarist Kirk Hammett will host a live conversation at the TIFF Lightbox and the band will provide a sneak peek of its latest film project at the Scotiabank Theatre.