Eagles, Metallica Honored at Annual Pollstar Awards

The iconic bands take home top prizes for their residencies and tours.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph featuring a dramatic composition of heavy metal textures like shredded black leather, crushed silver studs, and distressed steel chains, conveying the gritty, high-energy aesthetic of Metallica's music.The raw, industrial textures of heavy metal music take center stage in this close-up conceptual image celebrating Metallica's Pollstar Awards triumph.Los Angeles Today

The 37th annual Pollstar Awards ceremony in Los Angeles celebrated the live music industry's biggest achievements, with the Eagles and Metallica emerging as major winners. The Eagles were recognized for their record-breaking residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, while Metallica's M72 World Tour was named Rock Tour of the Year.

Why it matters

The Pollstar Awards are a prestigious industry event that honors excellence in live entertainment, from arena tours to music festivals. The wins by the Eagles and Metallica highlight their continued dominance and influence in the rock and metal genres, as well as the growing importance of long-term residencies at major venues.

The details

At the ceremony, the Eagles' residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas was named Residency of the Year, while Metallica's M72 World Tour took home the award for Rock Tour of the Year. Other winners included the Oasis Live '25 Tour for Major Tour of the Year, the Sphere for U.S. Arena of the Year, and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for U.S. Stadium of the Year. International and U.S. music festivals were also recognized, with Glastonbury Festival in the U.K. and the Ohana Festival and Austin City Limits Music Festival in the U.S. receiving honors.

  • The 37th annual Pollstar Awards ceremony took place on April 15, 2026 in Los Angeles.
  • The Eagles launched their Sphere residency in September 2024, setting a record for the longest-running residency at the venue with 58 shows.
  • Metallica's Life Burns Faster residency at the Sphere is set to kick off on October 1, 2026 and run through March 13, 2027.

The players

Eagles

An iconic American rock band known for their harmonies and country-influenced sound, the Eagles were honored for their record-breaking residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas.

Metallica

One of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time, Metallica was recognized for their successful M72 World Tour, which will be followed by a residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas later this year.

Lars Ulrich

The co-founder and drummer of Metallica, Ulrich attended the Pollstar Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.

The Sphere

A state-of-the-art concert venue in Las Vegas that has hosted high-profile residencies, including those by the Eagles and Metallica.

Allegiant Stadium

A large stadium in Las Vegas that was named U.S. Stadium of the Year at the Pollstar Awards.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Metallica's Life Burns Faster residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas is set to kick off on October 1, 2026 and run through March 13, 2027, continuing the band's strong presence in the live music industry.

The takeaway

The Pollstar Awards highlight the enduring popularity and influence of classic rock acts like the Eagles and Metallica, who continue to dominate the live music landscape through high-profile residencies and world tours. Their wins underscore the growing importance of long-term engagements at premier venues like the Sphere in Las Vegas.