Metallica's 'Doodle' Tradition: A Unique and Localized Twist on Their Performances
Metallica's WorldWired and M72 tours introduced a unique and unexpected element to their shows: the 'Doodle'. This is a local song, often in a foreign language, that Rob Trujillo and Kirk Hammett perform halfway through the set. It's a spontaneous and playful addition to their performances, and it has become a fan favorite.
What makes this tradition particularly fascinating is the element of surprise and the local connection. The songs are often chosen based on the location of the show, and they can range from well-known international hits to lesser-known local songs. For example, in Amsterdam, they covered Golden Earring's Radar Love, and in Minneapolis, they paid tribute to local hero Prince with When Doves Cry.
In my opinion, this tradition showcases Metallica's versatility and willingness to embrace different cultures and musical styles. It's a fun and engaging way to connect with their audience, and it adds a layer of unpredictability to their performances.
One thing that immediately stands out is the variety of songs they've covered. From Black Sabbath to Rammstein, and from Lynyrd Skynyrd to A-Ha, the choices are diverse and often unexpected. This shows Metallica's willingness to explore different genres and their ability to adapt to different musical contexts.
However, not all Doodles have been well-received. Some have been criticized for being poorly executed, such as their version of The Stone Roses' I Wanna Be Adored, which was described as a 'damp squib'. Others, like their cover of Celtic Frost's The Usurper, drew complaints from the original artist, Tom G. Warrior.
Despite these mixed reactions, the Doodle tradition has continued to evolve. On the M72 tour, they initially played a self-written Doodle and left the local choices for the second night. However, they eventually dropped the self-written Doodles and focused on local songs once again.
What many people don't realize is that the local Doodles often work best in Eastern European shows. Take Jožin Z Bažin, a comedy folk song from Czech musician Ivan Mládek, which was performed in Prague in 2018. The song about a mysterious monster in a swamp was a hit with the crowd, and it added a unique and memorable element to the show.
In conclusion, Metallica's Doodle tradition is a fascinating and unique aspect of their performances. It showcases their versatility, willingness to embrace different cultures, and ability to connect with their audience in unexpected ways. While not all Doodles have been well-received, the tradition continues to evolve and add a layer of surprise and fun to their shows.
This raises a deeper question: how can bands like Metallica continue to innovate and surprise their audiences while maintaining their core identity? The Doodle tradition is a great example of how they can do just that.
