Most + Least Played Song Live Off Each Album by Thrash’s ‘Big 4’

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.
Stats last updated on Dec. 26, 2023 (via setlist.fm).

The Most Played Song Live Off Every Slayer Album

And these songs will stay that way unless Slayer ever come out of retirement.
All stats via setlist.fm

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.
All data updated on Dec. 6, 2023 (via setlist.fm)

The Most Played Song Live Off Every Anthrax Album

The songs Anthrax play more than anything else on each of their 11 studio albums.
All data updated on Dec. 19, 2023 (via setlist.fm).

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!

The Least Played Song Live Off Every Megadeth Album

The rarest of the rare.
All stats last updated Jan. 2, 2024 (via setlist.fm).

The Least Played Song Live Off Every Anthrax Album

Ultra rarities!
Data last updated Jan. 2, 2023 (via setlist.fm).

Every Thrash Metal 'Big 4' Album Ranked

An incredibly diverse collection of albums, ranked from worst to best!
Follow Loudwire's 'Early Thrash: The Beginning & The '90s' playlist here.

PLAYLIST: Early Thrash (The '80s & '90s)

Over 175 songs! Listen/follow here.

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