Gigantour 2008 featuring Megadeth

One of the many great concerts that is making a stop in Cleveland this summer. Metal legends Megadeth brought their annual "Gigantour" concert to the Tower City Amphitheatre on Sunday, May 4, 2008. The line up included the fast playing, mosh-pitting Job for a Cowboy, In Flames, High on Fire and Children of Bodom.

I missed the High on Fire and JFAC sets but made it in time for a great set by Children of Bodom. In Flames, a Swedish metal band, folowed and did not disappoint. Inspiring the biggest mosh pit (see photos) of the night, they rocked the stage. The legendary Dave Mustaine and Megadeth took the stage as the headlining band. Sadly, a decision made by either Live Nation or the TCA prevented standing room only fans to be close to the stage, and set up metal chairs for seating sections leading up to the stage.

Hundreds of fans left unhappy, and due to the low vocals of lead singer Dave Mustaine, they felt as if they witnessed a instrumental. For those fortunate enough to be in the seating area and closer to the stage, the show was full of energy and Megadeth did not disappoint.

Any hard rock fan would agree that seeing Megadeth is on their Bucket List, and the crowd turnout was large. At least a few thousand metal fans can cross that one off their list, but I have a feeling they would gladly see Megadeth again.

Hopefully 2009 will bring on more bands that fall under the same music genre as Megadeth. Out of the opening bands, In Flames received the biggest applause and fan appreciation. The concert was packed with energy and loyal Megadeth fans, and was well worth the admission for any fan. The Gigantour will continue making stops throughout the month of May. The list of stops is below.

May 6 Chicago, IL - Aragon

May 7 Milwaukee, WI - Eagles Ballroom

May 9 Minneapolis, MN - Myth

May 10 Winnipeg, MB - Convention Center

May 11 Saskatoon, SK - Prairieland Exhibition Hall

May 12 Edmonton, AB - Shaw Conference Center

May 14 Calgary, AB - The Corral

May 16 Vancouver, BC - Pacific Coliseum

May 17 Salem, OR - Salem Armory

May 19 San Jose, CA - Event Center @ San Jose State

May 20 San Diego, CA - Cox Arena

May 21 Los Angeles, CA - Long Beach Arena

May 22 Phoenix, AZ - Mesa Amphitheatre

(click photo to enlarge)

  • Children of Bodom lead singer Alexi Laiho
  • In Flames lead singer Anders Friden during their set
  • circle pit during the In Flames set
  • Legendary guitarrist Dave Mustaine takes time from singing to yell at the photographers.