Metallica's James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett surprised fans by debuting new ESP and Gibson guitars respectively at the first show of their M72 World Tour.
The band took to the stage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on Thursday night to kick off their much-anticipated tour, and crowds erupted as Hetfield and Hammett unveiled their new axis.
Hetfield's new ESP guitar features a sleek black finish and the singer-guitarist's signature 'Iron Cross' graphic on the body. The instrument also features a set of EMG pickups that Hetfield has long used for their heavy tone and reliable performance.
Meanwhile, Hammett showed off his model of a stunning new Gibson Les Paul, adorned with a striking blue and green finish and intricate fretboard inlays. The guitar also features a pair of custom humbucking pickups that Hammett helped design with Gibson's engineering team.
Fans at the Barclays Center were thrilled to see the band's new instrument in action, and social media was buzzing after the show. Many admired the guitar's eye-catching design and powerful sound, and some even speculated that it might become a collector's item in the future.
Metallica's M72 tour runs through North America, Europe and South America throughout the summer and fall. The band will release a mix of classic hits and new material from their latest album Hardwired..self-destruct.
Fans who missed the tour's first show will be able to find Metallica on tour again this year, and the band's latest guitar offering is sure to add excitement to an already electrifying live show.
