Metallica Shreds Tiny Hamptons Show for David Zaslav, Sylvester Stallone and Dozens of Die-Hard Fans: Concert Review

On Thursday evening, the exclusive enclave of the Hamptons witnessed an unexpected cultural fusion as die-hard Metallica fans gathered for a private show. The performance, arranged by SiriusXM to mark the debut of its Maximum Metallica channel, transformed the Stephen Talkhouse—a beloved Amagansett bar—into one of the most intimate venues the legendary metal band has played in recent memory.

The guest list was studded with notable figures, including Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav and his wife Pam, radio titan Howard Stern accompanied by Beth Ostrosky, music legend Paul McCartney with Nancy Shevell, and personalities like Andy Cohen, Colin Jost, Michael J. Fox, and Sylvester Stallone. The Stephen Talkhouse, a storied music venue founded in the 1990s, has a history of hosting surprise performances by major artists in an unpretentious, roadhouse setting—making it a fitting location for this rare and electrifying event.

Metallica delivered a 14-song set that spanned their celebrated career, blending '90s classics like "Enter Sandman" and "Nothing Else Matters" with fierce '80s thrash metal favorites including "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "Master of Puppets." Feeding off the raw energy of the tightly packed room, the band performed with an intensity often reserved for much larger stages. With stripped-down production—minimal lighting and straightforward sound—the evening felt like an explosive, spontaneous party where one of the world’s biggest acts reconnected with its gritty roots.

Singer James Hetfield seemed especially invigorated, grinning as he told the crowd, “It’s hot, it’s sweaty, we’re up close—this is a blast!” His bandmates matched his passion: Kirk Hammett unleashed fiery solos, Lars Ulrich hammered his drums with theatrical force, and Robert Trujillo prowled the stage with relentless vigor. One music critic in attendance observed, “It’s rare to see a band of this caliber so authentically channel the spirit of their early club days—tonight was a masterclass in raw, unvarnished rock power.”

A poignant highlight came when the group paid tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, teasing the intro to "Crazy Train" before dedicating part of the set to their departed friend and collaborator. This moment underscored a night defined by loud, heartfelt, and emotionally charged hard rock—an unforgettable collision of metal majesty and seaside refinement that left every attendee buzzing with excitement.