Another day with tons and tons of Baseball Players backstage. Among others, we had Randy "The Big Unit" Johnson attending. He has been to many 'Tallica shows in the past, and is a good friend of the band. On the front stage action, we had another fun show. A few changes in the setlist, with a powerful Blitzkrieg & Motorbreath finishing the show. We did have Fade To Black on the setlist, but, well, I just let Lars explain to you guys...in the video from tonight's show. On our way to Los Angeles...CYA!

Here is a trivia for you, when was the last time Metallica was in Tucson, AZ? I was sitting backstage trying to figure that out. Please correct me if I am wrong, but according to my notes, Metallica played the same venue here in 1992? Anyway, here we are, crew are loading in to the Tucson Convention Center Arena. Just spoke to to some of the Metallica riggers and asked them what time they entered the building. The answer I got was "We were finished at 3am this moring in Phoenix, and loadin started at 6am". Dream job? You got it!

The setlist from the first US show is up, the guys walked off stage a few minutes ago. - "Was this not fucking awesome?" was the first thing I heard when I walked off stage. Hmmm, I would say that kinda sums it up? For being the first show, I would have to say things went pretty smooth, a pretty kick ass at the same time. The guys energy level was definitely up there, and seeing their faces, they are excited to be back...in the round.

Phoenix, we have a show...We have the first concert with this new stage setup going on right now. We have a few surprises in the setlist so far. How about King Nothing and Holier Than Thou?

You can feel it in the air, something big is going down, we have the first show coming up...We are right now at the America West Arena, and the boys are here with us too. We will again be joined by Godsmack, those guys just arrived. I believe the guys will do some rehearsals in a few minutes. Talk to you all in a bit...

Welcome to America West Arena! The boys were here today rehearsing for the first show of the North American tour. (Side note, pitcher David Wells stopped by to listen to his favorite band) Metallica are heading out to due the Rockline radio show. You can go to http://www.rocklineradio.com and listen online! Pics coming up soon......

We are in Phoenix, Arizona, preparing for tomorrows show at the America West Arena. Judging by the feedback from the people attending the "rehearsal show", this new stage is pretty fucking cool!

Latest Tali news, there was another rehearsal today after our big rehearsal party last night. The band was in for a few hours this afternoon and then the crew disassembled the mighty stage. In a few hours, the many Metalli-crew members will jump on their tour busses and have a long drive/ride to Phoenix, AZ. Anything else to report? Yooooooooooooooouuuou know it!!! It's a new video! The theme of this video is "A day in the life of James." It clocks in at 27 minutes with "exciting backstage, side stage, and front stage" entertainment. Will update you guys from Arizona, see ya... MOT

The first show, rehearsal, fun event, rocking time, pizza party, Cow Palace get together, is done. Setlist is up and photos on the way. Keep in mind, this was JUST the rehearsal...

Right now I am backstage at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. There are about 100 crew people here, the first in the world to check out the new Metallica stage setup. This will change though, as we will soon be joined by another 400 people, contest winners & close friends. I will keep you posted.... MOT