San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal legends Exodus delivered a monumental hometown performance last night, May 30, taking the stage at the newly reopened Mabuhay Gardens. The special concert marked the band’s first time playing the iconic club in 40 years.
Following a nearly four-decade closure, the legendary Broadway venue, often referred to as the “Fab Mab”, recently opened its doors once again under its original name. Exodus last performed at the space in 1986, making this weekend’s gig a massive nostalgic event for both the band and the local metal community.
When the show was officially announced earlier in the week, guitarist Gary Holt shared his excitement in a statement:
“When one of the clubs you started this out at reopens, you play there. You return to the scene of past crimes. You once again darken their doorstep and crush everything and everyone to the ground. The Mabuhay Gardens. The Fab Mab. OUR Mab. Open once again and Exodus knew we must heed the call! One night only. We will once again call this hallowed venue home. As old school as it will ever get. See you there!”
The venue holds significant historical weight for the group. In February 1983, during one of Exodus‘s final shows featuring guitarist Kirk Hammett, members of Metallica, including frontman James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, and then-guitarist Dave Mustaine, famously crashed the stage for an impromptu, alcohol-fueled jam session. At the time, Metallica had just relocated from Los Angeles to the Bay Area to secure the talents of bassist Cliff Burton, who insisted on the move.
Operated under the name Fame in recent years, the club has finally reclaimed the Mabuhay Gardens moniker 38 years after initially shutting down.
Today, only Holt and drummer Tom Hunting remain from the Exodus lineup that tore through the original Fab Mab era. They are currently joined by guitarist Lee Altus, bassist Jack Gibson, and vocalist Rob Dukes.
The San Francisco gig followed an already busy weekend for the thrash veterans. On Friday, May 29, Exodus wrapped up their North American tour as direct support for Sepultura in Los Angeles, California, alongside fellow heavyweights Biohazard.
Exodus setlist at Mabuhay Gardens (May 30, 2026):
- “Bonded By Blood“
- “And Then There Were None“
- “3111“
- “Deatham**etamine“
- “Blacklist“
- “Goliath“
- “The Beatings Will Continue (Until Morale Improves)“
- “Brain Dead“
- “Metal Command“
- “A Lesson In Violence“
- “War Is My Shepherd“
- “Piranha“
- “The Toxic Waltz“
- “Strike Of The Beast“
Encore:
- “Hell’s Breath“
- “Impaler“
