Metallica's frontman, Lars Ulrich, expresses his enthusiasm for potentially performing at the Sphere in 2026, following an impressive U2 concert there, despite no formal agreement having been reached.
Metallica is expressing interest in a unique opportunity that could see them take up a residency at the state-of-the-art Las Vegas Sphere venue in autumn 2026[1][2][3][4][5].
The "M72" World Tour, scheduled to end in summer 2026, is not stopping the heavy metal giants from exploring the possibility of a residency at the Sphere[1][2][3][5]. The band has already held meetings about the potential residency, with bassist Robert Trujillo discussing the creative possibilities that the Sphere's high-tech audiovisual environment offers[4].
Drummer Lars Ulrich acknowledged on Howard Stern's SiriusXM show on August 6, 2023, that while nothing is confirmed, Metallica is seriously considering the residency, with their management and production teams already exploring the venue[5].
The Las Vegas Sphere, completed in 2023, is renowned for its gigantic wraparound LED screen and immersive audio, which could significantly enhance Metallica’s visual and musical performance style[1][3]. The band has previously expressed enthusiasm about using cutting-edge technology in live concerts, aligning well with what the Sphere offers[1][2][3].
Guitarist Kirk Hammett has also praised the Sphere venue for its use of modern technology and production, calling a potential performance at the Sphere a "crazy experience"[1]. Lars Ulrich, too, has expressed positivity about the idea of performing at the Super Bowl half time show in San Francisco[6][7]. However, Ulrich emphasized that nothing is confirmed yet[8].
It's important to note that while discussions are ongoing, the potential Metallica residency at the Sphere is not yet signed, sealed, and delivered[9]. Fans will have to wait for an official announcement from the band to know for sure if they will be rocking out to Metallica in Las Vegas in autumn 2026.
[1] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/metallica-las-vegas-sphere-residency-1234746/ [2] https://www.loudersound.com/news/metallica-eyeing-residency-at-las-vegas-sphere [3] https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-eyeing-residency-at-las-vegas-sphere/ [4] https://www.ultimateclassicrock.com/metallica-las-vegas-sphere-residency/ [5] https://www.nme.com/news/music/metallica-planning-las-vegas-sphere-residency-2749912 [6] https://www.nme.com/news/music/kirk-hammett-says-metallica-would-love-to-play-super-bowl-half-time-show-2687517 [7] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kirk-hammett-says-metallica-would-love-to-play-super-bowl-half-time-show-1222696/ [8] https://www.loudersound.com/news/lars-ulrich-open-to-metallica-playing-super-bowl-half-time-show [9] https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-not-yet-signed-sealed-and-delivered-for-las-vegas-sphere-residency/
Celebrity guests might be drawn to Metallica's potential residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, given the venue's prominence in pop-culture and entertainment. The Sphere's immersive audiovisual environment could provide a unique platform for Metallica to showcase their music and innovation in the world of heavy metal.
