Before officially becoming Metallica, James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich jammed together, bounded by leather, denim, and the new wave of British heavy metal (often abbreviated as NWOBHM), in Los Angeles circa 1981. They recruited bassist Cliff Burton while visiting and playing in San Francisco. If they wanted Burton, he demanded the group base itself in San Francisco. Metallica’s debut album, ‘Kill’em All,’ arrived in 1983 and ‘Ride the Lightning’ followed in 1984. With these albums, Metallica had been inspired by NWOBHM stalwarts Diamond Head, Venom, Motörhead et. al., and forged a core heavy metal thrash identity that included quintessential, intricate two-guitar musicianship and aggression as trademarks. ‘Master of Puppets’ represented the third studio album by Metallica, which was released in March 1986, and solidified Metallica as a metal nugget and juggernaut. ‘Master of Puppets’ is the band’s last album to feature Cliff Burton on bass. During a Scandinavian tour in support of Ozzy Osbourne, snowy conditions in Sweden contributed to an accident that involved Metallica’s tour bus, resulting in the unfortunate death of Master Burton in September 1986. ‘Master of Puppets’ then became Metallica’s first gold-certified release: 40 years ago!!
Halftime shows for the NFL’s Super Bowl have become iconic entertainment for the masses, featuring popular musical acts. Usually a yawner for me. I have seen far too frequently primping, prancing, choreography, and costumes with no actual instruments being played on the gridiron. Prince, of course, is the exception that immediately comes to my mind. His halftime performance ranks far above any act, ever, in my opinion. Bruno Mars impressed me. Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, and Maroon 5 failed to impress. Hard to think someone could rank lower in the future than Tom Petty or The Weeknd.
The other day I heard that a few entertainment outlets sponsor informal polls whereby people can vote online for a musical act to entertain during the Super Bowl. Billboard has conducted a poll in previous years, but nothing related to the 2026 Super Bowl thus far. A site called JustJared had its poll conclude on July 31. No wonder I had never heard of JustJared…because its top three included Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and Megan Thee Stallion, which garnered 941/1,497 votes cast. I have never even heard of several of the 37 “musical artists” who received votes. https://www.justjared.com/2025/07/23/super-bowl-halftime-show-2026-who-should-perform-vote-for-your-pick-poll/ In this connection, while recently vacationing in Paris, our Uber driver played two Bad Bunny songs – absolute crap!
With the 2026 Super Bowl scheduled at Levi’s Stadium, i.e., the home field for the San Francisco 49ers (think Gold Rush), and given the lack of testosterone during past halftime performances (and in the Jared poll!) coupled with the 40th anniversary of ‘Master of Puppets,’ why not start a grass-roots campaign in support of a Metallica halftime performance? Rise up, Bay-area to Boston metalheads, and beyond! United in our love for Metallica and precious metal, let’s spread the word that the Super Bowl needs a home-town testosterone injection during halftime!!
It is meant to be, and you know it! ‘Master of Puppets’ first lines portend a professional football game!
Lashing out of action, returning the reaction,
Weak are ripped and torn away,
Hypnotizing power, crushing all that cower,
Battery is here to stay…
