There are moments in life that feel straight out of a dream—and for me, working security for Metallica in Denver was exactly that. Being right there, front and center for one of the most legendary rock bands of all time, was an experience I’ll never forget. But this wasn’t just any concert—it was history in the making.
The two-night event at Denver’s Empower Field shattered attendance records, drawing the largest two-day crowd the stadium has ever seen—yes, even beating out Taylor Swift’s recent stop there (sorry, Swifties 😜). Being part of that, not just as a fan but as someone on the front lines keeping things running smoothly and safely, was both an honor and a thrill.
From the moment the gates opened, the energy was electric. Metallica fans came in from all over, decked out in black tees, ready to rage, and absolutely fired up for what was about to be an unforgettable weekend. As part of the security team, I had a front-row view—not just of the band, but of the crowd’s passion, the energy exchange, and the way Metallica’s music brings thousands together like a massive, headbanging family.
One of the best parts of the job was the people I met along the way. In particular, I connected with a guy named Chris from Virginia—a fellow fan and all-around awesome dude. We hit it off immediately, trading stories and jokes between sets. Chris ended up snagging the first two pictures of me working the show (major props, man 🤘🥹🤘), and they’ve become some of my favorite mementos from the weekend. A couple of other folks were kind enough to send me additional pics, too, which really helped capture the magic of those two days from multiple perspectives.
It’s not every day you get to work a show where you feel more like a part of the experience than a bystander. Metallica doesn’t just play a set—they put on a spectacle. Flames shot into the sky, lights pulsed in rhythm, and the band gave a performance that proved why they’ve stayed at the top of the rock world for decades. Hearing songs like “Master of Puppets,” “One,” and “Enter Sandman” thunder through the stadium while I stood just yards away from the stage? Absolutely surreal.
Of course, working security isn’t always glamorous. There were long hours, lots of moving parts, and serious responsibilities. But when you’re doing it for a band like Metallica—and with a team of people who are just as passionate as you are—it doesn’t feel like work. It feels like being part of something bigger.
To everyone who made those two nights so epic—from fellow staff to the fans who brought the noise—thank you. And to Chris from Virginia, my new homie: thanks for the pics and the good vibes. Metallica in Denver wasn’t just a concert. For me, it was a milestone—and a memory I’ll hold onto forever. 🤘🔥