Four Cellos playing Metallica, I couldn’t wrap my head around this. Curiosity got the best of me and I had to find out what this was about. The venue and Apocalyptica from Helsinki Finland will be a new experience.
Apocalyptica plays Metallica by Four Cellos at the Mayan Theatre Los Angeles California Thursday, September 28, 2017, to a packed house. Arriving at the venue there is a line around the block, but this venue is gorgeous, the display of lights on the front of the building catches your eye and the carved stone architecture reminds you of the Mayan ruins.
Once I sign for my credentials, I receive my first set of instructions, which line I need to be in, as I make my way around the block to get in line. There was a separate line for under 21. I’ll find out why when I enter the venue. Once I get through security I work my way down to the photo pit taking it all in. While standing down in the photo pit, a very nice security guard answers all my questions. I was curious. The line for under 21 goes directly to floor level, no Alcohol is allowed in this area, standing room only, up four stairs another standing room only with a bar and credentials are checked to get in that area, up a level is a seated section with a couple landings, the top is VIP. Can you tell I like this venue, I loved it, just beautiful.
The lights go down, on stage, there are four ottoman style stools the crowd is anxious they know something I don’t and I’m feeling the excitement. The fans cheers echoed through the Mayan as cellist founder Eicca Toppinen, Perttu Kivilaakso, Paavo Lötjönen and Antero Manninen enter the stage kicking off with Enter Sandman off Metallica’s self-titled album, followed by Master of Puppets of the song titled album, rounding out the first three songs with Harvester of Sorrow off And Justice for All Taking the fans on a journey celebrating the 20th Anniversary of their debut album Plays Metallica by Four Cellos all instrumental, having a vocalist in the past, not on this night only vocals are the fans.
Apocalyptica played in two segments, with an intermission in-between to change the stage. The first half was all songs from their debut album Plays Metallica by Four Cellos, second half drummer Mikko Siren with his garbage can drum set joins as they continue to play Metallica songs with a combination of their own material which has never been recorded.
One of many highlights for me was Nothing Else Matters, as Toppinen, Kivilaakso, Lötjönen and Manninen sit in the dark only a spotlight on each of them, the beautiful sound of cellos and the vocals you hear are the fans, so loud and clear, as Siren joined midway through the song. I was taken back. A moment so phenomenal it evokes a strong emotion as I felt the tears well up in my eyes. Powerful!!
There are no words that can express how much I enjoyed this evening. The Mayan is beautiful, the staff very kind and Apocalyptica is phenomenal! They have gained a fan and have nothing but respect. Without a doubt, another top show to add to my list this year. I’ll be seeing them again when they come back to Southern California. Check them out. You’ll have the same reaction and you wont be disappointed.
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They will be heading out on the South American portion of Apocalyptica 20 years of ˈPlays Metallica By Four Cellosˈ
Apocalyptica, you Rock!!!
Setlist:
First half:
Enter Sandman
Master of Puppets
Harvester of Sorrow
The Unforgiven
Sad but True
Creeping Death
Wherever I May Roam
WelcomeHome (Sanitarium)
(Second half was a combination of Metallica and their own music, not being able to obtain a setlist or find one posted, I’m trying to go off memory. Songs are not in order and I’m missing a few.)
Fade to Black
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Fight Fire with Fire
Until It Sleeps
Nothing Else Matters
The Unforgiven
Escape
All photos by Tammy Greene
©2017. Please DO NOT copy or use without permission.
