Today In Rock – June 5
Metallica Releases St. Anger
On this day in 2003, Metallica released St. Anger, their eighth studio album and one of the most debated records in the band’s history.
The album arrived during one of the most turbulent periods Metallica had ever faced. Bassist Jason Newsted had left the group in 2001, leaving the band without a permanent bass player during the recording sessions. As a result, St. Anger became the only Metallica studio album recorded as an official trio featuring James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Kirk Hammett.
The sessions were marked by internal conflict, uncertainty, and personal struggles. Hetfield entered rehabilitation during the project, forcing production to stop temporarily. The band’s future appeared uncertain, and many wondered whether Metallica could survive.
Those challenges were documented in the acclaimed film Some Kind of Monster, which provided fans with an unprecedented look inside the band’s creative and personal struggles.
Musically, St. Anger represented a dramatic departure from Metallica’s traditional sound. The album featured downtuned guitars, aggressive vocals, raw production, and a deliberately stripped down approach. Notably, Hammett did not perform any traditional guitar solos, something virtually unheard of on a Metallica album.
Songs such as “St. Anger,” “Frantic,” and “Some Kind of Monster” reflected the band’s emotional state during the recording process. The lyrics explored frustration, anger, addiction, recovery, and personal conflict.
One of the album’s most discussed features was Ulrich’s snare drum sound, which became instantly recognizable and often controversial among fans and critics. While some listeners criticized the production choices, others appreciated the album’s honesty and raw intensity.
Following completion of the album, Robert Trujillo joined the band as bassist. Trujillo brought renewed energy and stability to the group and remains a key member today.
Although St. Anger initially divided audiences, its reputation has evolved over time. Many fans now view it as a unique snapshot of a band fighting for survival and refusing to compromise its emotional truth.
The album may not have been universally embraced, but it demonstrated Metallica’s willingness to take risks rather than simply repeat past successes.
Today, St. Anger remains one of the most fascinating and revealing chapters in Metallica’s long career.
U2 Conquers Red Rocks
On this day in 1983, U2 performed one of the most important concerts in their history at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado.
The concert almost never happened.
Heavy rain throughout the day threatened cancellation, and attendance was far lower than expected because many fans assumed the show would be called off. Despite the weather, the band decided to proceed.
The result became one of the defining moments of 1980s rock music.
Frontman Bono, guitarist The Edge, bassist Adam Clayton, and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. delivered a powerful performance against a backdrop of rain, fog, and dramatic lighting.
The concert was filmed and later released as U2 Live at Red Rocks: Under a Blood Red Sky. The imagery became iconic. Bono waving a white flag during “Sunday Bloody Sunday” emerged as one of the defining visual moments of the decade.
At the time, U2 was still building its reputation internationally. While the band had already developed a dedicated following, they had not yet achieved the global superstardom that would arrive later with albums such as The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby.
The Red Rocks performance changed everything.
MTV embraced the concert footage, introducing millions of viewers to U2’s passionate live performances. The band’s combination of spiritual intensity, political awareness, and emotional connection resonated with audiences worldwide.
The concert also highlighted one of U2’s greatest strengths: their ability to transform live performances into communal experiences. Even under difficult weather conditions, the band projected optimism, energy, and conviction.
Many critics and fans regard Red Rocks as the moment U2 became a major international force.
More than forty years later, the concert remains one of the most celebrated live recordings in rock history and a defining example of how a single performance can transform a band’s career.
Paul McCartney Releases Flowers in the Dirt
On this day in 1989, Paul McCartney released Flowers in the Dirt, his eighth solo studio album and one of the strongest projects of his post Beatles career.
By the late 1980s, McCartney had already enjoyed enormous success both with the Beatles and with Wings. However, critics sometimes questioned whether his solo work consistently matched the brilliance of his earlier achievements.
Flowers in the Dirt helped answer those questions.
The album featured collaborations with Elvis Costello, whose songwriting partnership with McCartney drew comparisons to the legendary Lennon McCartney relationship.
One of the most successful results of that collaboration was “My Brave Face,” a melodic and energetic song that became a major hit and remains one of McCartney’s most celebrated solo recordings.
The album also included standout tracks such as “This One,” “Figure of Eight,” and “Put It There,” showcasing McCartney’s remarkable ability to craft memorable melodies and emotionally engaging lyrics.
Unlike some of the more experimental projects in his catalog, Flowers in the Dirt balanced contemporary production with classic songwriting craftsmanship.
The release also coincided with McCartney’s return to large scale touring. His subsequent world tour reintroduced audiences to both his solo work and his Beatles classics, helping launch a highly successful new chapter in his career.
Critics praised the album for its consistency, songwriting quality, and renewed creative focus. Many viewed it as one of McCartney’s finest post Beatles releases.
More than three decades later, Flowers in the Dirt remains an important entry in McCartney’s catalog and a reminder of his extraordinary longevity as a songwriter and performer.
Final note
June 5 in rock history celebrates resilience, breakthrough moments, and creative reinvention. From Metallica overcoming internal struggles to release St. Anger, to U2 transforming a rain soaked concert into rock history at Red Rocks, to Paul McCartney reaffirming his songwriting brilliance with Flowers in the Dirt, this day showcases artists who refused to stand still.
These moments remind us that great music often emerges during periods of challenge, transition, and risk. Whether through raw honesty, unforgettable live performances, or renewed creative partnerships, these artists continued pushing forward and left lasting marks on rock history.
And that’s a look at today, June 5, in rock history.
