Metallica are rumoured to be planning a major Las Vegas residency at the Sphere in 2026, in what could be one of their most ambitious live shows to date.
The claim comes from well-known Las Vegas outlet Vital Vegas, which reported that the band is “ready to ink a deal” following the conclusion of their M72 World Tour. While nothing has been officially confirmed, it’s been suggested the residency could happen in autumn 2026.
Kirk Hammett: “Oh, heck, yeah!”
When asked about the possibility of performing at the Sphere, lead guitarist Kirk Hammett made it clear the band is keen.
“Oh, heck, yeah! That’s a great example of how venues are changing,” Hammett told The Hollywood Reporter. “That’s using modern technology to the fullest, to really up the levels of production and entertainment, connected to AI and making it a crazy experience.”
The Sphere, with its enormous wraparound LED screen and spatial audio system, has already hosted U2 and is fast becoming a go-to venue for immersive performances. Hammett’s enthusiasm suggests Metallica are ready to take full advantage of what it can offer.
Metallica’s long history with tech
The band has consistently embraced new platforms and technology, from their early adoption of music videos to their more recent appearances in Fortnite and Apple’s Vision Pro. Hammett reflected on this shift during the interview.
“Ten years ago, I didn’t know we would be characters in a Fortnite game or that Apple would create VR headsets that can bring you literally right in front of the performer or the athlete. We didn’t see any of this coming.”
He also warned that artists who fail to keep up with these changes risk losing control of their work.
“It’s important to pay attention to all this stuff, because if you don’t apply yourself in a responsible fashion, someone else is going to do it for you, and you’re going to be on the exploited end. If you’re not paying attention, then stuff like Napster happens. It’s not for me to say, but that’s something to ponder.”
Metallica’s legal battle with Napster in the early 2000s is now a defining moment in the conversation around artist rights in the digital age. Hammett’s comments suggest those lessons are still top of mind.
Still looking fans in the eye
Despite their ongoing push into new formats, the band remains focused on connecting with their audience in very human ways. Hammett described a long-standing tradition the group uses before the show starts.
“We used to go out on stage with the lights still on so we can see everyone. We’d play or jam on some unrecorded song, and then, boom! The lights go off, and the show would begin. It’s a way for us to connect without playing our instruments or having a wall of sound out there.”
“It’s our time to do exactly that, recognise and acknowledge all the faces, the regulars who are at every single freaking show, or have been to the last six shows, or whatever it is. We use that time to acknowledge them, and they acknowledge us. ‘Great to see you. You’re here at the show, right on, let’s rock out. Let’s all have fun again.’”
A Metallica residency at the Sphere would be a logical next step for a band that has always looked to evolve its live production. With the M72 World Tour wrapping up in 2025, and the Sphere continuing to redefine large-scale concerts, the timing could be right.
