Metal and machine

Numerous city youngsters are off to the Metallica concert and the F1 race this weekend…
Buckle up all you headbangers out there! After all that brouhaha over their arrival, the wait is finally over. They are here! The Gods of metal, Metallica has finally touched base. The atmosphere will be electrifying as music lovers spanning across all age groups will throng Palace grounds in Bengaluru on Sunday evening.What’s more? The Indian F1 also flagged off in the capital yesterday.
With Deepavali celebrations over, the next few events that’s seeing a weekend exodus are the Metallica concert in Bengaluru and the firstever Indian F1 in New Delhi. “When that opening riff of Hetfield’s solo on Nothing Else Matters goes off, I’m going to cry. I first listened to it when I was 14,” says Rupesh Panikker, a hardcore Metallica fan. Emotions are running high with many even spending all their savings just to make it to the concert.
If you thought this band’s all about the young blood, then you’re wrong. Srikanth Nair, a 48-year-old metalhead is heading to Bengaluru along with his 22-year-old son. “I think it’s going to be massive. Because after AC/DC and Black Sabbath, Metallica is the biggest draw. Plus, this is our first fatherson concert,” says Srikanth.
The question however arises about how Chennai never gets to see any of these type of events! “Bands don’t come to Chennai simply because no one will spend money to bring anyone down,” says event manager Gautham Srinivasan. He adds that lack of a massive venue for concerts makes the possibility of having a popular band down here even more difficult. Aaditya Rajkishore, an architect in the city is driving down to Bengaluru with his cousins for the concert. “I can’t wait for them to scream out ‘Hello Bengaluru!’ Even if it’s not Chennai, it’s still Metallica. I think I can live with that,” he says.
Meanwhile, in the capital, the machines roared up in excitement as the Formula One Grand Prix glamour kickstarted yesterday. As nearly 100,000 fans packed the stands at the $400 million circuit, the adrenaline was on an all-time high. F1 crazy fan Karthik H says he just couldn’t contain his excitement. “After watching it on TV for 14 years, it’s amazing to finally witness it live. Watching Michael Schumacher make his appearance was THE defining moment for me,” he says.