In our latest episode, we revisit Metallica’s concert at the RPI Field House on March 15, 1989. The heavy metal icons were rampaging across America on their Damaged Justice tour in support of their latest studio album “…and Justice for All".
The episode features special guest Jason Bittner—lifelong Capital Region resident, world renowned drummer for Shadows Fall and Category 7, and alumni of other legendary metal acts—who shares his memories of attending the RPI show.
During the episode, Jason recalls:
- Attending the Troy show during a break from studying at Berkley School of Music in Boston
- His choice of “…and Justice for All” as Metallica’s best album
- Thoughts on the audio production for “… and Justice for All”
- Speculation on how someone managed to bring a camcorder into the Field House to record the Metallica and Queensryche sets
- Performing with some of his favorite bands touring the world, including Overkill and Anthrax.
- Reunion of Shadows Fall, his new band Category 7, and work with local Capital Region hardcore band Stigmata
- Discovering Metallica as a teenager growing up in Schenectady and Niskayuna, and his first impressions of their music.
- Hearing Metallica’s Master of Puppets album for the first time, and how the band was a gateway to heavier bands like Slayer and Anthrax.
- Attending Metallica’s 1986 show at the Glens Falls Civic Center with Cliff Burton on bass guitar, and meeting drummer Lars Ulrich for the first time.
- Seeing other legendary metal bands like Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, and Metal Church at various Capital Region venues.
- his own 30-year career as a professional musician performing around the world, and
- his respect for Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich.
Live bootleg audio from Metallica and opening act Queensrÿche at the RPI Field House is featured throughout the episode to immerse the listener in the story.
Episode Notes:
Credits:
Produced, edited, and hosted by John Salka
Theme music by Steven J. Goldman, Four Legs Records
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