Two Punters Arrested After Climbing Sound Tower at Metallica’s Perth Concert

Metallica’s first Australian performance in more than a decade came with more than just fireworks.

During the band’s Perth concert at Optus Stadium on Saturday night, two fans were arrested after climbing the main sound tower in the middle of the stadium mid-show, drawing the crowd’s attention away from the stage and up into the stands.

Police confirmed that a 20-year-old man from Carey Park and a 23-year-old man from Australind were arrested and charged with trespassing after scaling the structure.

“It will be alleged the men climbed up the central tower inside the bowl at the Metallica concert held at Optus Stadium on Saturday,”
a WA Police spokesperson said, according to news.com.au.

Footage posted to Facebook shows the men perched high on the sound tower before being brought down by security and police. The crowd below cheered and jeered as the pair were handcuffed and escorted from the stadium.

Crowd Reaction

The clip quickly spread across social media, with reactions ranging from disbelief to humor.

“Only in Perth, someone’s always gotta climb something.”
“Imagine risking jail time just to get a better view of ‘Master of Puppets.’”
“They’re lucky they didn’t fall. That tower’s not exactly a mosh pit.”

Another comment summed it up perfectly:

“Metallica melted faces, and a couple of blokes nearly melted themselves. Perth never disappoints.”

The Show Goes On

Despite the interruption, Metallica powered through a massive two-hour set to launch their M72 Australian Tour. It marked their first shows in the country since headlining the 2013 Soundwave Festival alongside Blink-182, Linkin Park, Slayer, and Paramore.

The band tore through fan favorites including ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ and ‘Master of Puppets’, accompanied by a stunning light show and pyro displays. Support acts Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies opened the night with high-energy sets that set the tone for Metallica’s return.

Metallica now move on to Adelaide on November 5 before heading to Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney over the next week.