Megadeth Concert Review Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater Phoenix AZ 8-8-24

August 12, 2024 LA Metal Media Leave a comment

Concert Review and Photos by Roc Boyum

The highly anticipated return of MEGADETH finally arrived in Phoenix, AZ, supported by All That Remains and Mudvayne. Here’s how the unforgettable night unfolded:

Megadeth performances are truly legendary, and this particular show was one for the history books. Held at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater, a remarkable 20,000-seat venue featuring a vast lawn at the rear, this concert was exceptional, even during monsoon season. Despite the looming threat of a massive thunderstorm and lightning just before showtime, the event almost faced cancellation due to the menacing storm. However, fate intervened, and thanks to the power of MEGADETH, the show only experienced a minor delay. It seemed as though Dave Mustaine and the band could control the skies, allowing the storm to serve as a breathtaking natural light show. While those on the lawn were a bit anxious, the storm did not dampen the spirit of the performance for anyone present.

After a slight delay, the signal was received to remove the plastic sheets covering the drums and amps. This paved the way for All That Remains to take the stage and kick off the show with their powerful presence. The band delivered a high-energy, intense performance of heavy metal that left a lasting impression on the fans. Explore the complete photo galleries for both All That Remains and Mudvayne just under the Megadeth photo gallery below.

Mudvayne was the next act, and I found that many fans were dedicated followers of the band. They really fired up the crowd with fans singing along to every song. With a worldwide record sales of 5 million, it’s clear why they have such a strong following.

Following the powerful performances of the two heavyweight opening bands, a sense of calm settled over the stage, foretelling the impending storm as Megadeth prepared to captivate the Phoenix audience. As the lights dimmed, anticipation filled the air, signaling the imminent arrival of Megadeth on stage. The thunderous chant of “MEGADETH, MEGADETH, MEGADETH” echoed through the venue, setting the tone for the fans’ unwavering enthusiasm throughout the band’s entire performance.

Megadeth treated the Phoenix audience to a flawless selection of fan favorites, covering their entire career. The main set featured fourteen songs, followed by three additional songs for their encores.

Megadeth hit the Phoenix hard with the three opeing tracks of “The Sick, The Dying…and the Dead!”, “Dread and the Fugitive Mind”, and “Hangar 18”. The new Finnish guitarist, Teemu Mäntysaari, showcases impressive shredding skills that seamlessly blend with the band’s dynamic, as if he has always been a natural part of the group.

Mäntysaari was the perfect fit to replace guitarist Kiko Loureiro. Whether engaging in guitar harmonies with Mustaine, accompanying Mustaine on note-for-note shredding dual solos or bursting out shredding solos of his own, Mäntysaari‘s playing was sheer brillaiance.

The conclusion of the show, featuring the three encore songs “Mechanix,” “Peace Sells,” and “Holy Wars…The Punishment Due,” was a powerful finale by a long-standing metal band that has sold 50 million LPs globally.

Attending a Megadeth concert is a must for metal fans of all ages. While watching a video on YouTube is an option, it can’t compare to experiencing the energy and impact of the band’s live performance. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness their unparalleled showmanship – catch them in action before it’s too late, as tomorrow is never certain!

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Check Out The MEGADETH Photo gallery below: