There was plenty of excitement leading up to Metallica's historic performance at the Apollo Theater in New York City's Harlem neighborhood on Sept. 21, 2013. Centered around the simple fact that the theater has a capacity of a little more than 1,500, fans knew that the concert would be more than just another 'Tallica show; it would be an experience like no other.

From the moment fans arrived at the Apollo, they were greeted with red carpet treatment. The staff of SiriusXM -- which put on the show in celebration of the Mandatory Metallica channel -- greeted concertgoers with smiles and a free collectible laminate that highlighted the exclusivity of the show. As fans made their way further into the legendary theater, they received another surprise: free concert t-shirts! That's right, every member of the audience received a killer black tee that commemorated the event.

Making their way to their seats with a cool concert laminate and free t-shirt, fans were yet again exposed to more top class treatment. No money was necessary to attend this show as the bar was open and flowing with complimentary drinks, and even a few tasty hors d'oeuvres.

Fattened up and feeling fine, metalheads were ready to rock and roll. Right around 8:30 PM, Jose Mangin, SiriusXM metal personality, walked out onstage and exclaimed the sentiments everyone could agree with: simply put, Metallica rules and this concert was going to be unforgettable! A few moments later, Metallica came out to the tune of 'The Ecstasy of Gold' and history began to unfold. Tearing into 'Hit the Lights' and playing 17 more songs over the course of more than two hours, Metallica lived up to any and all expectations their fans set. There was no fancy stage show, just pure metal delivered by one of the greatest bands around.

One of the highlights for all in attendance was easily the end of 'The Memory Remains.' As Marianne Faithfull wasn't onstage to deliver her haunting backing vocals, every single fan participated to help the band out. Lasting a couple of minutes, Metallica stood onstage without playing their instruments and let the Apollo carry the tune. Without sounding too cheesy, it was indeed a magical moment to for fans to share the experience with the band.

As the night wrapped up with the always headbangable 'Seek and Destroy,' nobody wanted to leave the theater. Each member of the band took turns thanking the audience and even threw out hundreds of guitar picks and a few drumsticks. When the group left and the show was officially over, the audience was greeted with a downpour outside of the theater. Continuing the top-notch service, the staff handed out ponchos and directed concertgoers to a fleet of sight-seeing buses that helped deliver everyone to their destinations in New York City -- or at least get them a bit closer to where they needed to go.

From the opening note of 'Hit the Lights' to the closing of 'Seek and Destroy,' there is no denying this concert was one of the most intimate shows Metallica have played in a very long time. But the night was even more special to the lucky ones who were able to attend because the band and SiriusXM created an entire experience around the event. Whether you're a fan from the beginning or you've just gotten into the band, nobody will ever forget the night they spent with Metallica at the Apollo Theater.

Photos of Metallica's Performance at New York City's Apollo Theater

Ultimate Metallica, @Ult_Metallica
Ultimate Metallica, @Ult_Metallica
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Spencer Kaufman for Noisecreep
Spencer Kaufman for Noisecreep
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Spencer Kaufman for Noisecreep
Spencer Kaufman for Noisecreep
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Spencer Kaufman for Noisecreep
Spencer Kaufman for Noisecreep
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Spencer Kaufman for Noisecreep
Spencer Kaufman for Noisecreep
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Spencer Kaufman for Noisecreep
Spencer Kaufman for Noisecreep
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