New shit in my collection #5

Last post in my blog this year will be about new arrivals in my collection. And most of my new addition are from 80’s so, I think it will be quite interesting. Let’s begin from the oldest one.
 
1. Nurnberg December 2’84 / Osnabruck December 8’ 1984. Both tickets comes from Metallica's first successful tour through Europe in 1984. Successful, because the band appeared on the old continent earlier this year, but due to poor ticket sales, large part of concerts have been canceled and Metallica played only single concerts and at several festivals. Both tickets comes from the German part of the tour of a series I called "sunny" from the promoter logo (Sunrise). Each ticket from this series was in a different color. Nurnberg (Hemmerleinhalle December 2’ 1984) is red and Osnabruck (Halle Gartlage December 8’ 1984) is pink. I think it's one of the nicer series Metallica tickets - unfortunately quite difficult to find, even though prices are going down. Ticket from Osnabruck is my second ticket from this show in my collection, and if anyone is interested just let me know. I’m sure we can make a deal.

Nurnberg (Hemmerleinhalle December 2’ 1984)

Osnabruck (Halle Gartlage December 8’ 1984)

 

2. St. Louis, The Kiel April 2, 1986. Next ticket comes from US leg of Master of Puppets tour where Metallica supported Ozzy Osbourne. This was fourth concert on this tour. As you can see ticket is in a pretty good condition.

 

Ozzy and Metallica St. Louis, The Kiel April 2, 1986

 

3. Passaic, Capitol Theatre, November 12’ 1986. Very interesting ticket from the second part of the U.S. tour promoting the album Master of Puppets. Fall-Winter part of the original tour was canceled because of the death of Cliff Burton. Part of concerts in October and November was postponed to later dates (November-December). You can find on market tickets with the old and new dates from the same concert. My ticket has an old date November 12 but really this concert took place on November 29. Tickets from this part of the tour are very difficult to find.

 

Passaic, Capitol Theatre, November 12’ 1986

4. Nurnberg, January 31’ 1987 - Another my wanted ticket from the German tickets series of European Master of Puppets tour  in 1987. Tour, which was to be held in the autumn of 1986 years but was canceled due to Cliff Burton death. I wrote about this series on my blog in post Almost 25 years ago (check post from January 2012). Now this series expanded for another ticket, this time from Nurnberg, Hemmerleinhalle.

 

Nurnberg, January 31’ 1987

 

5. Dublin,  The Point Theatre, July 5’ 1999 – Fast forward to 1999. Last ticket is much younger than all from the above but it was one of the few tickets from 1999 which I missed. Kept in very good condition and comes from European Garage Inc. Tour.

 Dublin, The Point Theatre, July 5’ 1999

 

 

Finally, I would like to wish You Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. See you on the next European tour in 2014.

 

In the pursuit of Metallica

Today’s post is not directly about Metallica tickets but don’t worry ….tickets will also be. I have great pleasure to inform You, that yesterday was the premiere of Piotr and Kasia Kowieski book  “In the pursuit of Metallica” (original title “W pogoni za Metallicą”).

 In the pursuit of Metallica

It’s groundbreaking book on the market because for the first time we can see the band with eyes of the fan not the journalist. I must immediately add, that Piotr and Kasia are not ordinary fans ….they are a Metallica maniacs!!!. This is not another boring book describing history of the band having its own beginning  in the garage in El Cerrito. This is collection of stories about how Piotr and Kasia follow in the footsteps of Metallica around the world – to the present day both have behind the belt 64 concerts on 6 continents. Both they belong to this small group of fans for which borders do not exist and surely many of You saw them on some concerts ....as a rule in front row. Is extremely probable that you will find yourselves on one of photos which are placed in the book (I found many members of TMCC on the photos). Then photos. There are hundreds of them in the book. Not only from concerts or meetings with band members but also from places they visited, t-shirts, posters, tickets, guitar picks …and Metallica clothes – simply tour stuff.

Record Store Day

 

El Arsenal Completo

 

The book does the very good impression. You do not get 50 page booklet on shitty paper but 450 pages in full color and hard cover. I am pleased with this book twice. Firstly, this is fantastic book for Metallica fan and secondly I am glad that I had my little contribution to the book. At the request of Piotr lent from my collection a few tickets of concerts in which the author was but did not have them. It is also an opportunity for me to big thank Piotr and Kasia for the fact that being on the following Metallica concert they always remember about my passion and enrich my collection with new tickets. Thank You very much.

 

.....;)

 

PS. The book is in Polish, but if anyone would like to get copy please contact me and I will try to help You get Your copy.



 

Two tickets, two worlds

Two tickets, two concerts, two venues – but very different nature of the two events. The first ticket comes from the very first ever Metallica concert in China. It was held in Shanghai August 13, 2013 in Mercedes-Benz Arena. A day later at the same venue was the second concert (I’m looking for this ticket badly). Both sold out long before the concert. On the black market ticket prices were a dozen or so times higher than the nominal price. Those concerts in China were like the whole China – a huge arena, a huge stage and a huge number of fans. I have a mixed feelings about these shows. First - it is known that the band has set a point of honor to play in places where they not played. Second - Band is also known for the fact that they likes to have control over what they do. Third – does the Metallica had the last word in the organizations of these shows?. I highly doubt it …..Master, Master…

Obey Your Master, Master

 

On the other hand, we have a ticket from concert which took place at New York’s Apollo Theater on September 21, 2013. It is this type of show, which is probably the dream of every Metallica fan. Very similar to what happened in The Fillmore in December 2011. A small historic building with a capacity of 1506 seats. You have a band close at hand. If You add nice unrestricted setlist – what more could You want?.

 

Apollo '13

 

1986 Japan ticket and tourbook

A few weeks ago, my collection has grown a very rare ticket from Japan. In fact all Metallica tickets from Japan are hard to get but those from the very first visit in Japan in 1986 are extremely hard to get and very expensive. This was the band first trip outside U.S. after the death of Cliff Burton, while baptism of fire for the new bassist Jason “Newkid” Newsted. The ticket comes from November, 18 concert in Osaka Festival Hall. It was fifth Jason concert as a Metallica bass player and third during Japanese Tour.

Ticket from Osaka November, 18 1986

 

Ticket is in very good condition and was addition to the Master of Puppet tourbook, and to be closer to the Japanese version of this tourbook. I started to check my tourbooks and programs and it turned out that this is my third version of Master of Puppets tourbook. After a visit to webpage of fellow collector from Australia who specializes in Metallica tourbooks/programs (big thanks to Alfredus for such fantastic site) I realized that it was all known versions of this tourbook.

 

 Japan edition of MOP tourbook

 

All versions of MOP tourbook. From left to right: first, second, third

 

...and back

 

First version was released before Cliff death. Second edition with Japanese layout (the one I bought with ticket) was released after Cliff death but without new bass player announcement. And finally the third version, also released after Cliff death include short announcement that the new bassist is Jason. Some details below on pictures.

 

Inside first version

 

the same pages in second version after Cliff death

 

First version (top) and second Japanese version (below)

 

Welcome Jason (third version)

 

 

 

 

Dreams come true

Dreams come true. Now I know this with certainty. When in last August, I received information that my friend and owner of the world's largest collection of Metallica tickets, Christian aka Putzimet died I was very, very sad. Once, he is no longer with us, two, that meant I would not see his collection which has been one of my dreams as a collector. Putzimet last will was that his collection of tickets went to our mutual friend Mike, with whom I had the pleasure to meet in Vienna in 2007 just before Metallica concert. The opportunity to visit Mike and see his collection currently already appeared in September.My way back from late summer holiday ran near Mike home. With the help of my Austrian friend was able to arrange accommodation for me and my family. On a sunny afternoon, I knocked on the door, a flat in a charming village in Styria.

After the evening dinner with some delicious Puntigamer Beer (Prost Putzi) we went to Mike's house to see his collection. I felt like a kid who is planning a trip to the largest toy store.

Kids have fun (look at this beauty on the floor) 

 

On the floor was a huge framed poster of Metallica concert in Mannheim (Germany) in 1984, signed by the whole original Metallica lineup - one of the most fuckin nicest Metallica items. Framed flyers and posters hung on the walls. I, however, are increasingly looking at the shelf where it became next to each six binders. I knew from the pictures that once sent me Putzi what these folders contain. Around 1,200 Metallica tickets - my dark object of desire ;). Finally, Mike brought binders to the living room and I could begin a journey through the history of Metallica. Yes, literally felt like an explorer who discovers unknown territory. In these binders is the story of Metallica in its purest form, and that is why I was decided seven years ago to just collect the tickets.

I just started exploring "new territory"

Most of the tickets, say some 80% already've seen, because for many years run for the personal use the base of tickets scans. They come mainly from the Internet and from other collectors. But the remaining 20% were for me the absolute "newness". Especially binder with the oldest tickets made ​​a big impression on me. There were many evergreens. View many of them was a surprise to me because on the net they look completely different than live, mostly on the size, paper texture, color. I brought with me from Poland all my doubles tickets, so we could with Mike enlarge (each of us) our collections with a few new tickets. In fact I could sit there 2-3 more days and I would not be bored. Mike, as a collector of Metallica bootlegs has a very large collection of them, which certainly I as a boot layman I could not really appreciate it. But, believe me when Mike showed me his version of Franky and Cee Four in a set with t-shirt my heart beat faster. Mike, who previously seemed to me mainly as a bootlegs collector, is very knowledgeable about the tickets and I have no doubt that the Putzi collection went in good hands and the collection itself will still be increased. For me, I think also for Mike, for Putzi family and somewhere up there for Putzi - it's really important.

Mike with two of his favourite boots

 

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. The next day I had to deal with nearly 1000 km away so I could not spend all night poring over tickets. I could of course take more pictures, especially tickets, which I had never seen but it was a waste of time to me, and I preferred to talk to Mike. It was impossible to do everything.

I would like to thank Mike for the meeting and the opportunity to see his incredible collection. I would like to thank on behalf of myself and my family for arranging accommodation, shared a friendly dinner and for showing me Your Met-treasures. Thank You very much my Friend.

New shit in my collection #4

Today, a few words about the tickets that the postman brought in recent days. Coincidence that all come from concerts in Belgium and the Netherlands, and almost all are from major European summer festivals. Chronological order from the oldest to the newest.

22.08.1997
In 1997, Metallica played in Belgium at Pukkelpop festival in Hasselt. In the same place band played in 1991 as a AC / DC support during Monster of Rock Tour. This was first time when Metallica played at Pukkelpop. Nice, full color one day ticket.

 

15.06.2003
In 2003, Metallica played many shows during European summer tour, visiting most of the major European festivals. One of them was the performance in the Dutch city of Nijmegen at Fields of Rock Festival. The ticket is faded and lost it’s color but as a nice addition to the set I have wristband from this concert.

 

 

 

06.12.2003
In December 2003, the group has arrived again to Europe for indoor concerts to promote the St. Anger album. December, 12 Metallica arrived to the Dutch Arnhem where they gave a concert in the hall Gelredome.

 

 

 

 01.07.2007
Since 1993, Metallica played at Werchter Festival in Belgium six times. This ticket came from their fourth visit in 2007 to this legendary festival.

 

 

30.05.2008
Another festival ticket. The band played in 2008, at the Dutch Pinkpop Festival - it was the first and so far also the only Metallica visit this festival.

 

 

 

15.08.2008
The second and so far last Metallica visit for the Belgian Pukkelpop Festival.

 

 

 

 

Christian Putz (Putzimet) 1968-2013

         

           A few days ago we lost Christian Putz known as Putzimet. Christian, I can write it with full responsibility, was my mentor, he was the person through which I began to collect Metallica tickets. In 2006 I was the owner of about 12 Metallica tickets including my own four tickets to concerts where I was. And one day in early 2007 I discovered on ebay Christian “about me” page with his bio and pictures of few tickets. And that was it, I knew what I wanted to collect and who can help me with this ... of course Putzi. I wrote to him, and so began our virtual friendship.

 

Putzi bio, back in a 2007

 

Beginnings were not easy, mainly because our English was far from perfect and we often wrote to each other not quite what we had in mind. I remember especially our first tickets trade when I trade three tickets from Metallica Polish concerts for 10 Putzi tickets (include one from 1984!). I was shocked because I do not think anyone offer me 10 tickets for 3, at the same time enjoy it as a small child. Just before shipping Putzi wrote to me to chose a set of three tickets from his trade set. I wrote him that the deal was for 10 instead of three so I do not understand why now he change our agreement. Because I wanted to trade I wrote to him that let him send what he thinks fit, keen on good relations with the such collector as Putzi. And guess what?. He sent me all of 10 tickets - Putzi was just that kind of guy. He always sent me the tickets packed so good as if they were famous Van Gogh's Sunflowers, not a piece of paper worth $10. Sometimes it drove me crazy that I could not win a ticket on ebay because Putzi bid. When he bid on something that for 99% there was no chance that anyone else won the ticket. I think all the top prices records for the Metallica tickets belong to him. He was a real old date die-hard collector.

The first time we met in real life in 2008 at a concert in Chorzow in Poland. Putzi arrived to Poland with his best friend Mike, whom I met earlier. From our first meeting, most sticks to my mind when we walked around the stadium and talking about tickets Putzi asked me one of the hostess asked if he can take a picture with her. The girl, of course agreed and Putzi was very happy.

 Putzi was very happy (Chorzów 2008)

Then there were some gigs in other countries where we met and countless ticket trades. I could always count on his help when it came to Metallica tickets. For a little over a month I had to go to Austria to meet with Mike and Putzi and silently hoped that I would see the world's largest collection of Metallica tickets, which was owned by Puzti. It was one of my dreams as a collector. Now I know that it will remain unrealized, but I would give all of my tickets to Putzi could still be among us.

We will miss you Ticketmeister.

Prague 2008

Death Magnetic UK 2009 Tour

Great Britain was the first country in the Europe where Metallica promote their album Death Magnetic.  I'm not counting, of course, promotional concerts in September 2008 in Berlin and London. On this part of European Tour Metallica were supported by The Sword and Machine Head. Just like the previous Madly In Anger With The World Tour the band toured in the two week system - two weeks tour and two rest at home. Because Metallica has arrived to Europe in the late winter, all concerts were at indoor venues.

The first part of the UK Tour consisted of five concerts. The tour began on February 25 in Nottingham and the band played during this concert for the first time Judas Kiss. Next concerts were in Manchester February 26, Sheffield February 28, London March 2 where Metallica played Too Late Too Late for second time ever! and Newcastle March 3.

Nottingham

 

Manchester

 

Sheffield

 

London (with wristband)

 

Newcastle

 

Metallica back to the UK in late March and the second part of the tour consisted of three concerts. The first of three concerts held in Birmingham March 25 with premiere of new song My Apocalypse. March 26 band played in Glasgow and March 28 in London, where the setlist contains rarely played The Outlaw Torn (played for tenth time ever!).

 

Birmingham

 

Glasgow

 

London (second show)

 

If anyone missed any of the eight concerts of Metallica during the winter-spring tour in UK had a chance to see the band at the Sonisphere Festival in Knebworth, which took place on August 2.

 

Knebworth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The red carpet - the black tie

The red carpet brings to mind me great film festivals, handing of prizes, large stars and smaller starlets and all that in the flash of flash-lights. Somebody in 1982 did think that this all would become once a participation of four young kids from California ?.

We all remember as in 1989 Metallica during the Grammy ceremony „was wronged” by the jury which acknowledged that a best performer in the category Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance Vocal or Instrumental was Jethro Tull ….buhahaha (sorry). After the Black Album already nobody had the right of such error to commit and Metallica on constantly came on the red carpet.

January 23, 1993 Metallica was a part of the American Music Awards gala where the band was nominated in the category Favorite The Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist. Metallica gathered the prize and performed before the public in Shrine Auditorium in Los Angels one song – Wherever I May Roam.

 

Must be seated....Black Tie ...100$ ....No, Thanks

 

On this type of ceremonies is less „true fans” and more big wigs and people from the music business which do not attach the greater attention to something so little essential, as the ticket (they don’t pay for tickets). The ticket on this performance is an enough rare find. The attention attracts design of the ticket and this what is printed on him - every guest had to have the black tie. I think that in 1993   - Metallica fan and the black tie did not go hand in hand.

 

Compared to other American tickets from that era it's a really big ticket .... just like the red carpet

 

 

Soundwave, Abu Dhabi & Golden Gods

This year's first Metallica concerts are now behind us and the first tickets from 2013 are in my collection. Metallica began five concerts in Australia, which took place in February and March on Soundwave Festival. Getting the stubs was not easy, helped me a friend who was at all five concerts, and one Australian fan and collector, who trade two Soundwave tickets for guitar picks. I still miss one of the tickets – from the Melbourne show. If anyone has a spare ticket from this show, please let me know.

Four of Five

 

For next concerts the four horsemens went to the Middle East and Africa. The April concert in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates was the second Metallica concert in this country. Another ticket in my collection from this year come from this show. I failed so far to get tickets from the concerts in South Africa .... but I'm working on it.

 

Sheiks, camels and Metallica

 

The last of this year (so far) ticket and perhaps the most unexpected for me, comes from a short gig that band gave during Revolver Golden Gods Awards 2013 ceremony at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. The band played a short set containing songs - Disposable Heroes, For Whom The Bell Tolls, Rapid Fire (Judas Priest cover) ft. Rob Halford and Seek & Destroy. Ticket is very difficult to find because it was not a huge venue - sold only about 2,300 tickets. In less than a month Orion Music + More Festival in 2013 .... more tickets to come ? ;)

 

Golden Gods