2,680 miles were driven, over 40 hours in the car. For what you ask? Four shows, nine and a half hours of live Metallica, which included 72 songs, 28 of which were different. Or, as I would put it, pure HEAVEN!!

As September 2nd approached, I found myself increasingly anxious. I had tried for months to imagine in every way possible the journey I was about to begin, but to no avail. I had seen many Metallica shows before, but this would be different due to the nature of what my “Black Ticket” offered. I knew that I would be meeting many new people and others that I have met only in cyberspace. I also knew that I would be afforded the opportunity to get to know them well, through repeated encounters. The concept intrigued me.

The first leg of this tour has been amazing! So far I have been to five of the first seven shows, and along the way I have met, interacted, and shared many adult beverages (LOL) with many people from all walks of lives, from all over the US and the world. Although we are different in many aspects and lifestyles, one thing remains the same: our passion for Metallica and the people we encounter along the way while touring.

Follow Fifth Member Linda Craig's adventures across North America with her Black Ticket.