Metallica to bring ‘out of control’ show to Rexall Place Aug. 17

Once again, a notable rock band is choosing Edmonton to launch what is expected to be another massive Canadian tour – and this time it’s Metallica, playing Friday, Aug. 17 at Rexall Place. Tickets go on sale Friday.

The band posted news on its website about an “all new, out of control, massive stage and Metalli-show” that is doing a run of shows in Mexico City in July. Touring with music from the 2008 studio album, Death Magnetic, and the recent Lou Reed collaboration, Lulu – which some critics have likened to a sequel to Metal Machine Music – plus a digital only EP called Beyond Magnetic, the boys boast that this stage is twice the size of the World Magnetic set-up, and as they’ve done to great success before, is “in the round.”

The other Canadian dates have yet to be announced – but it’s no surprise Edmonton came first. Metallica is big in this town. The band drew more than 18,000 fans to Rexall last time through. Demand this time is expected to be comparable.