Heavy lifting for heavy metal: load cells and the Metallica M72 World Tour
When it comes to heavy metal, Metallica have maintained their rock go status as one of THE heaviest thrash metal bands in the world. The band first formed in Los Angeles in 1981, and 40+ years on, still have a loyal fan base eager to hear the classic hits including string of hits including “Enter Sandman”, “Nothing Else Matters” and “Until It Sleeps”, The band are now embarking on a World Tour that covers 16 countries and involves a massive set – monitored by over 100 load cells.
Load cells and the Metallica M72 set
In a fascinating article for LiveDesign (1), Chad Koehler of KDH Precision talked through the steps taken to keep everyone safe – artists, audience, crew and venue staff, and how the 120 active load cells and 10 spares played their part.
For the M72 tour, the band perform in the round on a circular stage with a large area in the middle for those who want to be really close to the action. Set back from the stage are eight massive 30ft towers, each topped with three circular LED screens. Each of the three screens has five motor points, resulting in a total of 120 points that require monitoring, especially in the open air venues. (Check out the stage pics at Metallica’s website. )
Levelling up with load cells
First the structure needs to be level, as Koehler explained:
“When you have a significant number of hoists positioned closely together, maintaining perfect levelness to the ground becomes challenging. Even a slight deviation of half an inch can affect the applied load on the structure above. When we have five hoists supporting one-third of a screen, and a total of 15 hoists collectively, a difference of half an inch to an inch can lead to significant swings in weight distribution.”
Blowin’ in the wind
The main challenge weather-wise for outdoor performance is strong and/or variable wind, which can change and shift at any point during initial rigging, performance and take down. What’s more, the LED screens can act like sails, increasing the load and potentially destabilising the whole rig. When hit by strong winds, the weight of the screens can fluctuate from 5500 lbs up to 7200 lbs, making monitoring the initial lift of the screen crucial.
In addition:
“The screens used on Metallica are curved, and a curved screen tends to roll until you get them fully built. So having the (4t) load cells, making sure the load is equal and where it’s supposed to be, is essential.” (1)
By using wireless load cells that transmit using radio frequency and a PRR (Portable Radio Receiver), all 120 load cells can be monitored on an iPad by the team as they move around the venue. The data is also available via an app for other crew and users.
Bring on more load cells
Surprisingly, load cells are not universally used on stage rigging, a situation Koehler would like to see change:
“The technology is there but it’s often not being utilized, leading to incidents where people are unaware of the loads they are applying. As shows continue to grow in size and weight, and as people become increasingly concerned about liability and safety, I believe load cells will see more widespread use. We need to embrace the tools available to us. It’s a matter of responsibility,”
The M72 tour has already sold out in Australia, along with their one UK appearance this year at Back to the Beginning at Villa Park in Birmingham (alongside UK rock legends Black Sabbath). The band return to the UK for the final two dates of the tour in early July 2025 at the London Stadium in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Load cells on stage
We’ve reported on several stage events that include load cells, including Eurovision (‘natch). Here are our top 3 load cells and rigging blogs:
The Swedish hamburger and the complexities of Eurovision staging and load cells
How load cells are (probably) helped Sweden’s Loreen stay safe in her screen “hamburger” during the Eurovision Song Content 2023 final (and win the whole competition too!).
Cue the fairy dust: flying performers in Peter Pan
“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.” Load cells and flying in theatre productions of Peter Pan.
Don’t let it go! Load cells and the set of London’s latest musical
To the delight of a whole new generation, the much-loved animated film “Frozen” became a visually stunning West End musical.
Load cells for your next world tour, stage show or mega festival
Whether you’re planning a rock gig, mega musical or fantastic outdoor festival, we have the load cells to monitor every load bearing structure and check it is up to the job. Call us or browse the online shop which has a wide selection to choose from, all delivered from our UK base here in Reading, Berkshire.
