Metallica Announces Eight-Show Sphere Residency

The legendary band will become the first metal act to play the high-tech venue since the Sphere opened in 2023.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Metallica has confirmed they will play an eight-show residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, marking the first time a heavy metal act has performed at the high-tech venue since its opening in 2023. The rock icons will play the Sphere on October 1, 3, 15, 17, 22, and 24, with tickets going on sale on March 6.

Why it matters

Metallica's Sphere residency represents a significant milestone, as the band will become the first metal act to perform at the cutting-edge venue. This move further solidifies Metallica's status as one of the most influential and innovative bands in the genre, as they continue to push the boundaries of live music experiences.

The details

The Sphere residency will continue Metallica's 'No Repeat Weekends' tradition, where the band won't repeat songs between their Thursday and Saturday dates, ensuring unique shows for attendees. The band has also proven willing to embrace new live platforms, having done an immersive concert experience through Apple Vision Pro last year.

  • Metallica's Sphere residency will take place on October 1 and October 3, October 15 and October 17, and October 22 and October 24, 2026.
  • Tickets for the Sphere residency will go on sale on March 6, 2026 at 10 a.m. PST.

The players

Metallica

A legendary American heavy metal band formed in 1981, known for their influential and innovative contributions to the genre.

Lars Ulrich

The drummer of Metallica, who expressed the band's excitement about the Sphere residency and their desire to reinvent the live music experience.

Robert Trujillo

The bassist of Metallica, who previously spoke about the immersive experience of the band's Apple Vision Pro concert, which allowed fans to feel the live music and interaction with the band.

The Sphere

A high-tech venue in Las Vegas that opened in 2023 and has become a significant attraction, hosting various music acts and experiences such as a Wizard of Oz attraction.

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What they’re saying

“About 12 seconds into the opening night of Sphere with U2 back in '23, I thought 'We have to do this, it's completely uncharted territory.'”

— Lars Ulrich, Metallica Drummer (The Hollywood Reporter)

“This residency gives us another chance to reinvent how we interact with our fans in a live setting. We are beyond excited to share this with the world in six months time, and way fuckin' psyched to go next level!”

— Lars Ulrich, Metallica Drummer (The Hollywood Reporter)

“What's so good about this is that you can really feel the live music, and you can feel the interaction between the fans and the band. You can look in the fans' eyes, it's like you can almost touch it.”

— Robert Trujillo, Metallica Bassist (The Hollywood Reporter)

What’s next

Tickets for Metallica's Sphere residency will go on sale on March 6, 2026 at 10 a.m. PST.

The takeaway

Metallica's Sphere residency represents a significant milestone for the band and the heavy metal genre, as they become the first metal act to perform at the cutting-edge Las Vegas venue. This move showcases Metallica's continued willingness to innovate and reinvent the live music experience, further solidifying their status as one of the most influential and pioneering bands in the industry.