Leg two was short for me, tough on the sleep and work, but as always, it’s all worth it.

Sunday morning, I drove to Niagara Falls for the first time and walked over five miles checking out the fall foliage, the waterfalls, and Metallica fans from Central/South America walking around showing of their proud battle vests. A fist bump and a smile and we were on our way, acknowledging our mutual respect for each other and love of a band that has brought us together, when so much in this world tries to divide us.

There was a point when it occurred to me (while hanging out with the guys from Ecuador after the Penn State show) that I am travelling around the country meeting the entire world and this is perhaps, the greatest thing I’ve experienced in my life.

The news about Dave Pickerell’s passing was both tragic and unexpected. That he packed lives into a life is no consolation; the world was not ready to lose Dave Pickerell. In getting some insights into the man and his sojourns, you will understand just why so many people beyond his Metallica and Blackened family are finding Dave’s loss especially difficult.

In sitting down to speak with Jason about the …Justice…era, the challenge was not how much we would find to talk about, but how much we would leave on the table for future discussions.

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.

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!!

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

And so, a few weeks ago, off we went again to commence with the fall/winter legs of the 2018 WorldWired Tour, this time taking in what are referred to as the “B” markets on the North American touring schedule.

Back in May, right before the summer break, Kirk and I sat down to discuss this and more general Hammettry backstage in Helsinki.

When it comes to selling merch on the European road, Andrew Scott has forgotten more than you’ll ever know.

It is the last day before school’s out in Helsinki. The last day before summer break that we will hear “Hardwired” kick the teeth of WorldWired attendees down the back of their necks. The last day before summer break (which in itself is something else – no Metallica gigs during a summer!) that we will revel in drones and fire. The last day before summer break that we will see Metallica bringing the WorldWired Tour to even more people in ever more wide-ranging global climbs. The last day before what appears to these eyes an extended, well-earned break. A vacation. Oh, how naïve can one get?!

Derek “Dewey” Evans – stage manager, load out sheet artist, all-round cheerful cheeky presence, and Metallica crew stalwart – is one of the most vital and experienced crew veterans on WorldWired. He explains to Steffan Chirazi just how that stage gets up and down on the road.

The latest addition to James Hetfield’s guitar stable is undoubtedly his most incredible yet. James, luthier Ken Lawrence, and artist Petar Milivojevic explain how Carl came to be.

The European WorldWired indoor tour is now officially over, with the last picks and sticks having been thrown in Helsinki an hour ago. Steffan Chirazi ties it all up in a neat package with a fancy bow on-top…well, sort of.

Helsinki Night #1 was the first time in over four years that Metallica has graced our shores.

So thanks to all my friends and obviously the band for being in Stockholm. It was A LOT of fun.