The “Big 4″—Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax—rocked for seven hours for the first time in the US in front of an estimated 50,000 fans in the California desert on Saturday. We made it out to the epic day of metal to hang out with the legends of thrash. Gear ranging from the Kirk Hammett Wah, Hetfield “Black Fang” picks, Robert Trujillo Bass strings, Kerry King strings, Tortex picks, Dunlop Straps and Formula 65 guitar care products all shared the stage with the bands. Original Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman made a dramatic surprise reunion with his bandmates following a serious illness (Gary Holt of Exodus is currently standing in for him). For the encore, Metallica brought out nearly every member of the “Big 4″ bands to play together on a raucous cover of “Am I Evil?” We had a killer time. If you didn’t get to go you can dry your tears and do yourself a favor and look at some of these exclusive shots we got.
Megadeth
The bands received double Platinum awards before the show for their “Big 4″ DVD that was released last year.
Left: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer making his surprise appearance. Right: Kirk Hammet of Metallica
Left: The Big Four backstage pass. Right: Gary Holt stepping in for Jeff of Slayer—behind him bassist and singer Tom Araya
Kerry King’s tech Armond
Jimi Dunlop with James Hetfield‘s tech Chad Zaemisch grippin’ some Black Fang Picks in their eyes
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ChefHell
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