Here is the most and least played song live off each album by thrash’s ‘Big 4’ — Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax.
The Big 4 account for a total of 49 studio albums, with Megadeth being the most prolific at 16. It’s a lot of material to consider when playing live, especially with so many all-time classic records between them. There are setlist staples that have dominated the decades and, of course, countless rarities, deep cuts, hidden gems… call ’em whichever you’d like.
Unfortunately, a lot of great songs from deep in each band’s career are resigned to being played just on the supporting album tour. It’s what keeps the diehards coming back, always hopeful to check off seeing another song for the first time or one that hasn’t been played in a while.
READ MORE: The ‘Big 4’ Bands of 27 Rock + Metal Subgenres
Curiously, there are a small number of tracks that have only been played live one time, which always invites a lot of questions. Why did they only give it one shot? Does someone in the band hate that song? Well, we all know why Metallica have only played “Escape” one time — James Hetfield can’t stand it!
Below, view the most played song live off each album by thrash’s ‘Big 4’, followed by the least played from all their records.
Try to keep track of how many of these songs you’ve seen live!
The Most Played Song Live Off Each Album by Thrash’s ‘Big 4’
The Most Played Song Live Off Every Metallica Album
The songs you are most likely to hear at a Metallica show from every album.
Gallery Credit: Joe DiVita
The Most Played Song Live Off Every Slayer Album
And these songs will stay that way unless Slayer ever come out of retirement.
Gallery Credit: Joe DiVita
The Most Played Song Live Off Each Megadeth Album
Come take a look at the most popular song to be played live from all 16 of Megadeth’s studio albums.
Gallery Credit: Joe DiVita
The Most Played Song Live Off Every Anthrax Album
The songs Anthrax play more than anything else on each of their 11 studio albums.
Gallery Credit: Joe DiVita
The Least Played Song Live Off Each Album by Thrash’s ‘Big 4’
The Least Played Song Live Off Every Metallica Album
The Least Played Song Live Off Every Slayer Album
There’s two songs on one album that were only played live once!
Gallery Credit: Joe DiVita
The Least Played Song Live Off Every Megadeth Album
The rarest of the rare.
Gallery Credit: Joe DiVita
The Least Played Song Live Off Every Anthrax Album
Gallery Credit: Joe DiVita
Every Thrash Metal ‘Big 4’ Album Ranked
An incredibly diverse collection of albums, ranked from worst to best!
Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff
PLAYLIST: Early Thrash (The ’80s & ’90s)
Over 175 songs! Listen/follow here.