Metallica - South Africa Tour

After being privileged to see my number 1 band of all time – Metallica – LIVE in Joburg for most likely the final time of my life, I feel compelled to share a few thoughts on the band, the show and preparation for these rare experiences. Metallica and metal fans will find this an easy read.

As a South Africa music fan, it’s really tough to constantly read about the number of massive tours and festivals taking place overseas. We are in the disadvantaged position whereby the Rand just does not permit the vast majority of us to see the bands we really wish we could. I read the line-ups for the upcoming festivals and quite literally feel sick. All things relative, I'm sure the overseas fans, while still appreciating live music, surely must see it as just another concert or festival.  As a country starved of top acts, when the chance comes around you have to grab it with both hands and make sure you get that Golden Circle ticket.

I will give credit to Big Concerts for upping their game over the past couple years. I mean commercially, Bieber, Rihanna et al must cost a fortune to bring down here. But rock wise, acts like Linkin Park (who I thought were phenomenal, regardless of their latest albums sounding like proper commercial sell-out garbage), Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kings of Leon have at least offered some kind of release.

However, when it was announced that without a doubt one of the major pioneers of heavy metal were making the trip to South Africa, my heart was filled with joy. Immediately after securing my golden circle ticket I left my preparation alone until about a month to go. Then the proper countdown began. Playing albums through from start to end, YouTubing live concerts, watching documentaries and making sure my car had enough albums for me to jam hard in the traffic.

Does this happen in foreign countries where people could be seeing their favourite bands for the 15^th time? Again I assume the appreciation and enjoyment will (hopefully) always be there, but does that same intense preparation transpire?

So, after a long wait both beforehand and on the actual day, the time had arrived. The darkness transcended the stadium and all Metallica fans know that once The Ecstasy of Cold starts playing, the metal break will arrive soon.

For the record, the number of people voicing their “opinions” about them being “old” was very quickly demolished. From the moment they entered the stage right to the final riff from Seek and Destroy, you quickly realise why they have ripped it up for so many years, they truly are the whole package.

They rocked that stage so fucking hard. The power and intensity that radiated from the stage was palpable. The sound was so loud, but so damn crisp. Every note, every beat and riff could be heard. James’ voice was exactly as I’d hoped. Lars smashed those drums while Kirk shredded the guitars with his expected elegance and class. Rob showed me again why Metallica chose him to replace Jason, he is such a character, his personality shines through as he becomes one with his bass. The set-list was perfect, although I would have liked to hear Four Horsemen & Fuel, I cannot complain. Every other classic was heard, much to my satisfaction.

They are living Metal Gods. They have conquered the metal sphere and can still tear it up. They have one more album in them. I hope it will meet expectations, but no matter what, that concert just reaffirmed to me why they are my number 1 band of all time. 

FUCK YEAH JAMES!!

How The Persecuted Have Become The Praised

The benefit of hindsight truly is a beautiful thing. How many times in football have you confidently written off a player? Be honest, I know I have on many occasions. Think of players who have looked too weak in terms of skill, pace, power or talent for your liking but, with the right coaching and sufficient faith placed in them, have come through with flying colours. While it can be noted that a lot of the time these players’ performances may have warranted criticism, there is a fine line between those who have the talent, but don’t have the bottle to push through the boundary of mediocrity, compared to those who obviously will not make the grade. With regards to United, think of the players who you have persecuted, written off and hung out to dry which are now providing our great club with the platform to potentially grasp an unprecedented 20^th title.

This season has been remarkable for United in terms of the amount of injuries suffered by crucial players. I’m not going to focus on the fact that if any other team had experienced the injuries we have endured; they would have greatly underachieved relative to their potential. I am merely stating this important detail to ensure that people are aware of the significant players United have had to be without for a large portion of this season. Players such as our captain, the best defender in the world, Nemanja Vidic and the experienced defensive pivot Darren Fletcher have been out of action for 85% of the season. Add to that the consistent injuries suffered by rising star and midfield catalyst Tom Cleverley, it is truly incredible that United are still challenging for the TITLE. It’s further important that people take note of the fact that every single player in the United squad has been injured/ill at some point during the course of the current campaign.

Looking at those players who have filled the boots of these big match winners can only fill your heart with satisfaction at how well they have done. They have stood up and accepted the challenge head on. Take a look through the heart of the United team and ask yourself what you really thought about these players either before or during the season. Did you write them off?

Rio Ferdinand –

In the absence of our captain and brick wall Vidic, the person who has stood up and proved the doubters wrong is the defensive stalwart - Rio Ferdinand. After the manager publically came out and admitted his game has needed to change due to his pace deterioration, and people writing him off due to the emergence of exciting youngsters like Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, Ferdinand had plenty to consider and much soul searching to do. In my opinion, he has done it quite magnificently. Accompanied by the steadily improving Evans in the heart of United’s defence, the 33-year-old has put in some stellar performances of late and re-installed the security at the back. His experience through his communication, reading of the game and last ditch tackles has been invaluable. Forget about next season, right now Rio is arguably one of our most important players.

Jonny Evans –

Without a doubt, behind Darren Fletcher back in the day, this is the number one player all fans have loved to hate. The difference this time is that his previous performances warranted the harsh criticism. After his sending off against City, which led United to their most embarrassing defeat (ever?), I was one of the masses who could not see him returning. However, Sir Alex thought otherwise. Since returning to the team, alongside Rio, he has been nothing short of rock solid at the back. Strong in the air and confident in his tackles, Evans is showing the form he produced while partnering Vidic at the back when the duo helped United achieve a record 11 clean sheets in succession. The potential for Evans to succeed is still very much evident and more patience needs to be shown with regards to nurturing him into the finished article. Yes, Jones and Smalling are my, and I’m sure everyone’s ideal future centre back partnership, but Evans is improving and will be at United for years to come regardless of fans’ preconceived attitude towards him. So become a reborn fan sooner rather than later.

Michael Carrick –

Sniejder, Iniesta, Fabregas, Lampard, Gerrard, Xavi etc etc. The criticism that this experienced professional and elegant passer of the ball has endured during his time at United defies belief. I will state for the record that I have defended him from the very beginning and will continue to do so. While he may not be your typical match winning, X-factor leader like those previously mentioned, Michael Carrick has continued to show why he is so vital to the team. Season after season he has been written off but one must remember that it was the Scholes/Carrick partnership that was the centre midfield duo that delivered United arguably our most successful period in recent years (winning four league titles and a Champions League). His passing range is quite sublime and the excellent defensive tackling performances he puts in these days is a further key role he performs. His game has evolved tremendously during his time at United and he has the ability to complement any midfielder he plays alongside.

David De Gea –

Last but certainly not least, our extremely talented young Spanish goalkeeper with as bright a future as anyone else in the game. This boy will soon become a man and dominate the United goals for many years to come. His talent is glaringly evident for all to see. Yes he made mistakes when he arrived, but it was to be expected when you consider his age, temperament and general lack of experience. The way he has come back and answered the unnecessarily harsh media, though, is just brilliant. In the last five matches he has saved/gained us roughly seven points. Combine his recent showings with the save of the season to deny Mata and winning Player of the Month at United twice, De Gea is already showing the quality we paid big money for. While he has his weaknesses, I can assure you that the United coaching staff are well aware of his current flaws and are working on rectifying them every day. Everyone needs to keep patient and soon we will, once again, have a world class goalkeeper at United.

So the next time you feel like slating a player for a handful of poor performances, I urge you to hold back and think of all the success these people have brought to your life. Perceptions and opinions are allowed to change over time, but don’t be the hypocrite who always thinks he knows best. Be patient and open minded, because more often than not the players you too quickly dismiss become the praised you cannot live without.

This Moment Has Been A Long Time Coming

What a disappointing fall from grace. Champions of England for a 19^th time crash out of champs league at the first hurdle in a group most accurately described as a “the easiest group draw of them all”. I feel sick to my stomach.

Europa League. Say it again with me, Europa League. The competition is both embarrassing and a huge hassle for a club with our history and stature. Thursday night football. Never in my life, and throughout Fergie’s glittering career, have we had to endure such a disgraceful spell of form which has resulted in us relegated to the ugly sister of the Champs League. We can only hope that the harsh realisation of our situation will propel Fergie, and the players, to action.

Unsurprisingly, the writing has been on the wall. We couldn’t beat either team (home or away) in our group and when you don’t win your home games, you can have no complaints. But in truth, we have not played a great game of football since Arsenal in the 8-2 mauling, and that was a very long time ago.

Since then we have seen our team be embarrassed on more than one occasion. City 1-6. Knocked out of the League Cup by Crystal Palace and now failing to qualify for the last 16 (from making the final last time round) against Basel. Basel?! It’s not Madrid, Barca, Munich or anyone remotely in with a chance of actually winning the competition. Remember a few years back when we needed to WIN against Porto away from home and we did it. We didn’t even need to win last night but still we could not do the job. These embarrassing performances have become more and more frequent, rather than the occasional slip.

Team selection sincerely worries me. Fergie selected the midfield consisting of Nani, Giggs, Park, Young & Jones. That is 4 wingers and a defender. No proper centre midfielder. Why not start Fletcher, the branded “big game player”? Has Fergie lost faith with him? Surely alarm bells should be ringing which make SAF realise we are deeply lacking in this department. It was spoken about all summer, the need for a “Scholes replacement”. No-one arrived and now we must suffer the consequences. Even if we want to rectify it, we can’t. January is not the time to buy the kind of player we are looking for. We needed someone from the start and panic buying is not Fergie’s style either, so the chances of anyone coming in are slim. Also, the ideal player would cost a fortune and most likely still be playing Champs League football, so why would he move now?

I understand injuries and suspensions play their part, but the truth is even with a fully fit midfield we have nowhere near the quality of players which grace most other top teams in Europe. We have no heartbeat. No X-factor. No Match winner. And last night, on a night where only a draw was needed to progress, United could not find the goal. No moment of brilliance was created when it mattered most. It really is just so poor and in years gone by we would have found it.

I’m not talking about dismantling the team and getting rid of everyone. We have a great, youthful foundation to work with. We have plenty of good players, however many of them have not performed in the past few months. But we are missing the gel which COULD HAVE brought the team together. That experienced bit of genuine quality to see us through the transition and teach the youngsters. But now it is too late.

We could have bought a game changer. We could have bought that moment of brilliance. We could have instilled that fear factor once again. But right now, the fear is gone. Palace came to OT and knocked us out. Basel & Benfica earned draws at OT and Basel ultimately knocked us out. City ripped us apart. We couldn’t even break down Newcastle at home. Teams believe that they can beat us, where in years gone they might have not fully believed they could do it. It’s worrying and honestly we are just not the team of old.

Looking forward, how can we salvage the season? We face City in FA Cup which I don’t see us getting through. Then it’s just the League because there is no way I will take the Europa seriously. I don’t care if we win it; I do not consider it a true trophy. Winning the league would make up for the disappointment of this season so far but who honestly believes we have enough to it? I still do. But with City looking extremely strong with strength in depth, Spurs in the form of their life and if Chelsea put a run together we are going to have to buck the fuck up, and quickly.

I leave you with quotes from former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane: "I think [going out] reflects what United have done in truth – they haven't scored enough goals and they haven't beaten Basel or Benfica.  "People have talked about the young players - you've had [Phil] Jones, [Chris] Smalling, [Ashley] Young coming in, everybody building them up but they've got a lot to do, it's a reality check for some. I'd be getting hold of some of those lads, saying 'you'd better buck up your ideas'. "I think their best player tonight was Ryan Giggs. That sums it up - he's 37 or 38, you can't be depending on him. United got what they deserved tonight. "It's a reality check for the Premier League and I wouldn't look beyond the Spanish teams Real Madrid and Barcelona this season.

The Benefit of Hindsight

The benefit of hindsight. Oh what a wonderful thing. If you could look back at the decisions you or your team have made, were they the correct ones? Would you change them?

Looking at the season so far and the events that have transpired, I think to myself, were United correct in the purchases they made? Did we miss out on the one big name that could have made the difference?

Anyone who knows anything about football and followed the last transfer window will know exactly which players I am referring to. But that is not the focus, I’d rather analyse what we do have and their contribution to the team thus far. 

Starting with the biggest amounts paid for our footballers and working down, we commence with our speedy new winger, Ashley Young. Most people were not jumping up and down at the prospect of this Premier League proven quality player joining the ranks. However, since his arrival, he has managed to win over a number of doubters with some great goals, assists and general contribution to the team.

Although brought in for his set piece & crossing ability, he only seems to be able to deliver a top quality ball 1 of 4 which is not a good enough return. Young also tends to take that second too long to put the ball in which allows defenders to block the shot or cross. I’m sure Fergie will sort that out sooner rather than later. He has plenty room for improvement, and although his ability should not be doubted, he still has some way to go to satisfy the price tag. An injury hindered his progress in recent times and he looked slightly out of form just before, but looking forward I believe he will push on and play a crucial role for United this season.

Next on the list is the mercurial young talent that is Phil Jones. I cannot heap enough praise on a player who initially worried about whether he would get enough game time at United in his first season.  It so turns out he has played the most out of everyone in the squad! This 19 year sensation has shown he is not only up for the challenge, but ready to embrace everything that is United. His performances thus far have been nothing short of exemplary, defending with courage and carrying the ball up from the back with a presence and determination.

Another positive characteristic about the guy is his versatility and ability to adapt into different roles. With United’s current injury problems, this is working to the team’s benefit. However, I believe Fergie needs to start playing him in one position more consistently; otherwise in the long run his versatility may become more of a hindrance than an asset. Once again I state that I’m sure Fergie knows this already and is merely seeing what options are available from this awesome talent. Personally I see him with Smalling in the middle of the defence for the next 10 years; however it's good knowing when injuries hit, we have options. And for the record, he is not a midfielder.

David De Gea. I have absolutely no doubt that he is the right choice for us and will make making many match winning saves for years to come. You can see how well he reads the game, distributes the ball and makes sharp shot-stopping saves. Yes, he may still be a tad careless and yes he did start he career with a few fumbles, but look how strong he has come back. Does that alone not show the character of the guy? What were you doing at 20 years old – it surely wasn’t recovering your form, settling into a foreign country where you can’t speak the language and playing for one of the biggest teams in the world in front of 75 000 fans? 

De HEYA has a bright future ahead and hopefully the lure of going back to Spain doesn’t come around for the next 15 years (at least).

And I end off with the combined analysis of Danny Welbeck & Tom Cleverley. As I mentioned, these “new singings” have given United a breath of fresh air, with their youthful exuberance injected perfectly into the team. Mates on and off the field, they have both staked a claim for starting berths in the team.

Unfortunately, due to our lack of quality in the middle of midfield, there has been a huge amount of additional pressure placed on Cleverley. Admittedly, he did make a difference in the games he has played thus far, but he is still young and needs to be given time. He is a part solution to our midfield dilemma. We still need the “experienced x-factor match-winner” for him to learn from. Fletch & Carrick have the experience but no x-factor, Anderson (sadly) is not one to look up to and Giggs cannot keep going forever.

For Welbeck the reality of having 7 strikers available presents a different type of pressure. It’s the situation whereby you have to take your chance when the opportunity presents itself. I believe he has done just that and done so with a touch of class. Both these players will part of the English foundation of United, along with Smalling, Jones & Rooney, for the next decade.

So looking at the progress of our signings I think they have all contributed and shown that they have the quality to succeed. News just broke today regarding Anderson’s latest injury blow which rules him out until February next year. Cleverley is currently sidelined too. Once again, the concern is completely focussed on the centre of the park, an area which Fergie did not sufficiently address and we may pay the consequences for it. 

Moving our best player out of position to compensate for the missing quality surely proves this? Rooney is class and can play anywhere, and hopefully when he reaches 30 he can drop back into midfield, but now is not the time. We have options everywhere except in the engine room of the team. Let’s trust in Fergie once more and try push through with what we have.

So in hindsight, if Fergie knew what he knew now, would he have pushed harder for Sniejder or Modric? 

The Best of Enemies - Liverpool Reality Check

It’s always interesting getting an opinion from the other side of the fence. Most times we won’t agree but occasionally you come across those few fans that appreciate game and watch their teams without those tinted/bias specs on, something I struggle to do. So I was pleasantly surprised to read how realistic and grounded this Scouser actually is.

Liverpool Reality Check

Reality - the state of things as they actually exist as opposed to how they may appear or may be imagined.

In the case of Liverpool football club, a serious dose of reality was handed to players and supporters alike, over the last two weekends, as a virtually fully-fit Reds side labored to a 1-0 loss at Stoke City and then proceeded to get hammered 4-0 at Spurs. Reminiscent of losses to the likes of Blackpool, Wolves, as well as Tony Pulis’s men last season, much of the hype and euphoria of the recent changes at the club were somewhat diminished following more unproductive away performances.

Positive results against a weakened Arsenal side and a struggling Bolton, along with the opening day home draw with Sunderland, meant that The Reds were off to their best start in recent memory, earning a respectable 7 points from their first three premiership encounters. Fans and players were oozing with optimism and positivity but both sets of sentiments have now been somewhat dampened as a result of the two most recent setbacks. Granted that both The Britannia Stadium and White Hart Lane are never easy places to go, let alone win, a point was a necessity from both games to convince fans and players alike that Liverpool are genuine top four contenders once again.

Not for one second am I dismissing the magnitude of the turnaround that the club has undergone since the disgraceful previous American owners and, more recently, Roy Hodgson left the club, but the recent Stoke defeat, as well as the day-to-forget at White Hart Lane, came as a timely reminder that this is all still very much a work in progress.

I have no doubt that with King Kenny at the helm, accompanied by the likes of Steve Clarke and Damien Comolli, Liverpool will once again be a force to be reckoned with. The signings since January are indicative of the direction in which the club is going but these players are still in the process of jelling as they attempt to complement each other in the best possible manner.

As oppose to looking at a bench laden with inexperience and mediocrity, the depth at Dalglish’s disposal is a rare luxury that hasn’t often been afforded to managers of Liverpool in times gone by. While Benitez settled for the likes of Milan Baros and Florent Siname-Pongolle to act as game changers during his tenure, King Kenny can now call on the likes of Andy Carroll, Craig Bellamy and Jordan Henderson, to name a few, to positively impact any match.

While there is seemingly adequate depth and cover in the attack and midfield departments, I’m of the opinion that a re-shuffle is needed in defence. A fully-fit Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly make the right fullback slot the most accomplished in the defensive structures while the real issues lie in the central department. Jamie Carragher is not getting any younger, and while he still reads the game like a book, it’s becoming more and more common to see him falling short when asked to match strikers for pace. Daniel Agger may be able to complement Carra and provide cover for the 33-year old if need be, but the constant concerns surrounding his fitness mean that he’s only made 98 appearances during his 5 years at the club. Martin Skrtel was an ever-present last season, and was solid enough alongside Carra, but one gets the feeling that Liverpool require a more accomplished world-class presence in the heart of the defence should they wish to challenge for top honours once more.

Looking ahead to the home game against Wolves this weekend, anything less than a convincing victory over Mick McCarthy’s men will be unacceptable. It is imperative that Liverpool show the rest of the league that they are better than what they have produced of late and in turn earn another victory in front of a packed Anfield crowd. The timely and long overdue return of Steven Gerrard will be another reason to expect victory as Kenny attempts to rally his troops once more and avoid any further reality checks with games against Everton and United on the horizon. 

Follow @SeanBloomLFC 

When Will Fergie Bring Back The "Old" Guard?

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Does Fantasy Football Influence Your True Football Feelings?

The Premier League is back! From my side, I’m happy for United to have begun the campaign with a win, but there is a long way still to go. The best league in the world always has twists & turns, excitement & heartbreak as well as the final month’s glory & disappointment for everyone involved. It’s the moments deep in the second half when your team is defending a lead or pushing for the winner, and you are feeling your heart is pumping harder than usual, that you know it’s back. That feeling is pure. Its passion flowing through your veins and it makes you realise why you love the game and your team.

But for a while now there has been something which could be seen as an invasion on your true football feelings. This “game within a game” creates an unnatural feeling towards opposing teams and players which should not be there in the first place. I thought I could also repress these feelings, but while you are in the game, there is no denying it. I’m talking about the game that everyone gets fickle over, especially when you are at the bottom, and that’s Fantasy Football.

I was watching the opening fixtures last weekend with a group of mates and noticed something horribly wrong. When Stoke won a free-kick in the dying minutes of the game against Chelsea, a mate piped up and said: “Hold up Chelsea, I need that clean sheet!”  Was this die hard football fan cheering for the “wrong” result? That’s when I knew things had already started off on the wrong foot, yet again. All of us who play, and please note that I have been an active player since 2004, have had those moments when we hope for that goal or clean sheet to happen for the teams we are supposed to despise. That just is not good enough. That part of me, my mates and all others who play Fantasy football, who hope for those immoral results to happen, need to have a rethink. We are betraying our teams and ourselves. For what? A few more points? Come on now, we all need to do better!

How should you be feeling?

Let’s recap how you should feel if Fantasy was not involved. You should want what’s best for your team in terms of the matchday result (i.e. victory). You should want your rivals to drop points. You should WANT to see them concede in injury time, making the damage of the dropped points hurt even more. So why does a part of us not want to see the ball land up in the back of our opponents net? For pride? Respect? Let’s ask ourselves, what do we get if we win a Fantasy league amongst our mates? A few hundred bucks? Surely the glory you get from mocking opponent fans for conceding late on or winning the league come the end of the season trumps it?!

How do you end up feeling?

It’s just so much fun when you get it right. When your captain scores a double, 2 of your defenders provide assists and your keeper keeps a clean sheet, you just feel like you understand football and are able to predict what happens next. You gloat amongst your friends and let them know who is boss. However, football changes very quickly, and your feelings are completely different the next gameweek when not a single player performs and you see the dreaded red arrow pointing down. You get over it and wonder why you play. It all seems quite fickle to me, but it’s all part of the fun! You have to take the good with the bad, and that should start from the top, where the real game is happening. And let’s also all agree that we all wish we knew the weekend’s results on the Friday, imagining if we had picked the defender who scored a double, kept a clean and got all the bonuses as captain?!

However, Fantasy does have another positive aspect to it. It allows you to find interest in games that you may not have watched in the first place – like a Wigan vs. Blackburn or a Wolves vs. West Brom (not disrespect). You hope for Al-Habsi to keep that clean, Samba to score, Jarvis to assist a goal or Odemwingie to grab that elusive winner. In turn, you are exposed to new teams, players and managers which you may previously had known little about. That is one big benefit of Fantasy football for the game in general.

My point is that however fun the game is, we all need to keep it in perspective. We must acknowledge that it is a game based on the real game and wouldn’t exist without the real football. Your team and football in general deserves better than for you to be cheering for the “wrong” results. If you are a neutral and enjoy the game just for the actual football, then by all means cheer on whoever you want. But if you are a United supporter and you AREN’T cheering for Liverpool, City, Chelsea or Arsenal (in that order) to concede in the last minute because you have their defenders in your team, then you should feel ashamed and know that you are betraying your team. The occasional slip is fine, but when it’s happening week in week out, then you should reconsider where your passion actually lies. But like real football it’s an addiction which I struggle to under control.