Metallica's distinctive sound has been recognized the world over - and on Dec. 8, 2013, they made it official by becoming the first band to play a set on all seven continents on Earth.
The group set the record thanks to a hits-packed, 10-song set in a dome just outside Carlini Base in Antarctica, before a special audience of 120 fans and scientists. To preserve the environment of the icy continent, the band's amps were put into isolation cabinets, and their sound was transmitted to everyone via headphones.
The gig, known as Freeze 'Em All - a play on the band's 1983 debut Kill 'Em All - capped off a busy year of touring and the fall release of their concert film Through the Never. In fact, 2013 saw the band play a date in every continent that year alone.
But Metallica checked off their first appearances on each of the continent over a 30-year run. Their first tour crossed the United States in 1983 and early 1984.
Later that year, they made their live debut in Europe, opening seven shows for British metal band Venom and embarking on a headlining tour that winter.
Read More: July 1984: Metallica Releases 'Ride the Lightning'
Metallica made their debut in Asia with several dates on the Damage Inc. Tour of 1986 - only the band's third show since founding bassist Cliff Burton was killed in a bus accident and Jason Newstead took his place.
Read More: March 1986: Metallica Releases 'Master of Puppets'
The Damaged Justice Tour of 1989, in promotion of ...And Justice for All, found the band appear in Australia and South America for the first time.
Finally, the Escape from the Studio Tour of 2006 found them check a sixth continent off their list, with shows in South Africa.
Read More: Meet the Deep Sea Creature Named After Metallica
- Log in to post comments
