They just played this for the first time since this^ show last night(3-6-20) :) also, if it somehow escaped you over these years, check out Sad Clint Eastwood by um!
I became an Umphrey's fan in 2004 at Bonnaroo. Happened to be standing in front of the stage right by the speakers when they launched into And Justice For All. I could feel every drum beat, every note.... it was amazing how awesome their cover was. Literally knocked me over with how powerful it was.
True story... not long after UM debuted this cover, they were slated to perform at The Jammys (if that even exists any more). It was tradition to have crazy guests, so Vince hit up someone from Metallica's label and sent a letter and a CD with Justice on it in hopes of getting James Hetfield to sit in on vocals/lead guitar. They got a letter back from James, he couldn't make it due to a prior engagement, but he did thank them for being fans and even told them they were "one of the best Metallica cover bands he'd ever heard." lol.. Hand to God, I was told this by Vince personally way back in the day and don't care about it getting out now.
Great cover! Everything is on point, vocals are even pretty decent which is usually where metallica covers fall apart because James has such a specific way of signing.
That would have been cool - AJFA would have been a great choice too since Metallica didn't play it on Friday. I can't complain though, Umphrey's really brought it this weekend. The first set especially, was spectacular. N2F -> Wallets -> N2F was the highlight for me. Sonic and musical perfection.
Thx for reminding me that Metallica actually Was epic as fuck at one point in time! Sad fact is, I'd Rather watch Other people play their music these days.
aint that the truth....what was the name of the crybaby documentary they put out with the therapist following Hetfield around? Kinda hard looking at them as tough guys after that abomination...
..and to think when i was 10 i thought Lars was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Got sold on the "One" double bass part. Still think Justice was the best album they ever put out, whether or not you could hear Newstead (im a bass player)
Ummm.... its a great cover, and I enjoy UM as much as the next man, but these comments of any of these band members being greater than Metallica is completely errant. I mean... let's be serious.
Damn, since this album sounds like utter crap, I think I will take this version ANY day. This improves on the original, at least in terms of the studio version. And with the lights and energy...! Damn.
