Metallica returns to Moscow after 16 years

The legendary American rock band Metallica has given a long-awaited concert as part of Moscow's Tuborg Greenfest, which features performances by world-famous artists every summer.

It's been the final gig of the band's Sick of the Studio tour promoting songs from their latest album.

The groups' devoted fans have been waiting for this concert for 16 years. The band made an appearance in Russia in 1991 and still has very good memories about the visit.

“We were met by bears and I've never had so many men giving me a hug,” noted frontman James Hetfield.

And a lot of questions at the press-conference before the gig concerned the group's recent split with its producer Bob Rock who's been working with the band for ten years.

“We felt too comfortable with Bob and we need to move on and find other challenges,” James Hetfield stressed.

The Finnish rock band H.I.M were the support band for Metallica's two-hour-long set.

The group has already supported Metallica at their gig at Wembley Stadium on July 8 and previously said it was an honour to perform alongside one of the greatest bands in the world. And it is not hard to believe them: the stadium full to capacity has proved Metallica's leading position on the musical map better than any words.