Photos and Review by Raven Divito
@rockinshots

The “Destroy All Enemies” show featuring Megadeth at Concord’s Toyota Pavilion on August 10^th was nothing short of electrifying. The venue provided a stunning outdoor backdrop for the concert, allowing the sounds from the heavy metal legends to echo across the amphitheater, and the stage to be seen with a great view from nearly all angles.

As the sun went down and the intro music faded, the crowd erupted into cheers, eagerly anticipating what was to come. Megadeth took to the stage with an intense energy, opening up with “The Sick, the Dying…and the Dead!”

Toyota Pavilion had security on high alert during the show, and rightfully so, as midway through the second song, “Dread and the Fugitive Mind,” a fan jumped up on stage and shook off the security guard that tried to catch him. The band faded to the back of the stage, as the fan made it all the way across to stage right before he was apprehended. There were quite a few crowd surfers as well that came over the barricades, but the security team was ready for the madness that Megadeth instills.

The band was in top form, with their intricate guitar work and relentless rhythm section driving the music forward. They delivered powerful performances of tracks like “Symphony of Destruction” and “Skin o’ My Teeth,” which had the audience singing along and thrashing in the pit.

The visuals on stage, including elaborate lighting and backdrops, complemented the music and added to the overall atmosphere.

Dave Mustaine, the iconic frontman, was in fine form, displaying his signature blend of charisma and intensity. His guitar solos were sharp and precise, a testament to his enduring skill even after all these years. The rest of the band, including bassist James LoMenzo and drummer Dirk Verbeuren, provided a powerful backbone, with their musicianship complementing Mustaine’s vision seamlessly.

One of the standout moments of the night was during the performance of “Tornado of Souls,” where Mustaine and guitarist Kiko Loureiro showcased an impressive dual-guitar harmony, leaving the audience in awe.

Mustaine’s interaction with the crowd was infectious; he often paused to share anecdotes and express gratitude, creating a sense of unity among the audience. The crowd responded enthusiastically, creating a charged atmosphere that made it feel like an exclusive gathering of die-hard metal fans.

The energy was incredible throughout the concert, and Megadeth made sure to give their all, leaving no doubt as to why they’re considered one of the titans of thrash metal. The setlist was a well-balanced mix of fan favorites, and when they wrapped the show with an explosive encore of “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due,” it was clear that the “Destroy All Enemies” concert was a night to remember for fans of all ages.