When people are asked that question, most say, “I love everything.” That’s rarely true. Every year, when the Super Bowl halftime performer is announced, the backlash proves it. Musical taste is personal.
If you asked me, I’d say I appreciate almost everything — except Yanni. It’s just not my jam.
A glance at the concerts I’ve attended proves I’m fairly eclectic: Prince, U2, Janet Jackson, Chantal Kreviazuk, KISS, Duran Duran. I’ve bounced between pop, rock, R&B and new wave without hesitation. But metal? That was unexplored territory. I love Metallica, but have never seen them live.
So when a friend invited me to see Megadeth, I said yes. Partly because I value time with him. Partly because I realized I could finally say, “I’ve finally been to a metal show.”
The Canadian Tire Centre hosted a thunderous trifecta: Exodus, Anthrax and Megadeth — three pillars of thrash metal (with Metallica and Slayer rounding out the so-called “Big Five,” in case you’re ever asked at trivia night).
Exodus opened the evening. As a first-timer, I’ll admit there were moments when I couldn’t quite decipher what Rob Dukes was unleashing into the microphone. That’s not a criticism — more a reflection of my rookie ears. I’ve misheard Michael Jackson lyrics before, too. Some genres just require immersion.
Dukes greeted Ottawa with an enthusiastic (and very metal) “F— You!” It was less hostility, more handshake. A joyful expletive. A rallying cry. The crowd understood immediately.
Anthrax followed, and this was my first real moment of familiarity — largely because of their collaboration years ago with Public Enemy. Lead singer Joey Belladonna, at 65, moved like someone half his age. If Apple Fitness needs a brand ambassador, they might want to check the step count from that set. Guitarist Scott Ian urged the crowd to rise and participate. They didn’t need much convincing.
Then came Megadeth.
Dave Mustaine, now 64, is revered as a guitarist, and his playing remains razor sharp. He’s not sprinting across the stage — he plants himself and lets the music do the moving. The set blended newer material with classics like “Symphony of Destruction,” which ignited the arena.
Mustaine, an original member of Metallica, still seems to have a lot of gas in the tank.
For bands that have been performing for decades — weathering lineup changes and shifting musical eras — all three delivered impressively tight, high-energy performances.
But as much as I enjoyed the musicianship, the part I’ll remember most is the crowd.
Walking to my seat, I saw parents with their kids, couples on dates, lifelong friends, and fans dressed head-to-toe in leather. So much leather. And hair — glorious, flowing hair that could easily anchor a shampoo commercial.
It wasn’t intimidating. It was joyful. It was community.
As someone whose exposure to metal has mostly been limited to Metallica, this was my first full metal experience. If this truly is Megadeth’s farewell tour, the genre will feel that absence. I’m grateful I caught them.
So Keith, what kind of music do you like?
Lately? I’ve been dabbling in metal.
