The first time I got word that Metallica would grace our shores was soon after the release of St. Anger back in 2003. Turned out to be a rumor, exactly like the ones that would surface almost religiously every year since then. So, by the time I heard about Metallica FINALLY playing in India in 2011, my immunity to “Metallica rumors” had developed to an extent that I didn’t even give it a second thought.
But soon, I read in The Times of India that the organizers of F1 Rocks (part of the opening ceremony for the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix) were in talks with the band to perform here (although they mentioned others like Beyonce & Black Eyed Peas too). Now, this was something different. Reading about a Metallica gig in print, that too in a reputed Indian newspaper. It was time to start the celebrations, right? Well, knowing all too well how severely the Indian media has been infected with the “jumping the gun” virus, the article merely got me a ‘little’ interested. But interested enough, nevertheless, to force me to get in touch with the organizers. And yup, they were in talks with the band and had me assured that something special was indeed on the cards. Boy!
April 1 came and went, and along with it came several “confirmations,” some even claiming that Metallica would be supported by Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax. Yup, the Big 4. Blah blah blah.
But now, we’ve got word from Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo man! Speaking to the Inland Empire Weekly for their cover story, this is what he had to say:
“We are going to play India in October. That should be interesting, playing a place we never thought in our wildest dreams we’d [go] to play. It’s an honor for all of us that we get to be a part of that whole music scene as a metal band sharing our music with fans in India at this incredible concert!”
Now, it is highly likely that “this incredible concert” that Mr. Trujillo refers to is our good old “F1 Rocks,” to be held alongside the inaugural Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix scheduled for October 28-30, 2011, at Greater Noida.
But wait a second, in regards to the venue ain’t I jumping the gun too? Well, who cares? I’m from Delhi for one. And most importantly, since I’m writing for a magazine now, it’s safe to say that I’m part of the “Indian media” too. Alternative or not.
Let’s wait and watch.
ps. International readers – Greater Noida is “almost Delhi.” So, chill, it won’t be too “off the radar.”
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