Metallica Rumored to Be Planning 2026 Las Vegas Sphere Residency

According to reports, Metallica is set to sign a deal for a residency at the Las Vegas Strip venue, the Sphere, in the fall of 2026. If the rumors turn out to be true, Metallica will become the first heavy metal act to play at the iconic venue.

Metallica Might Sign Residency at the Sphere in Fall Next Year

The rumor comes from Vital Vegas, and although no official announcement has been made, sources close to the site indicate that the deal is nearing completion. Metallica is scheduled to begin their 2026 M72 World Tour in late spring, wrapping up on July 5th. In theory, a fall residency at the Sphere wouldn’t clash with the band’s tour schedule, or at least not with any plans that have been publicly announced.

Drummer Lars Ulrich recently hinted that Metallica might have “one or two other things that may pop up” in their plans for the remainder of the year. In April, guitarist Kirk Hammett was also asked by The Hollywood Reporter whether the band would be interested in performing at the Sphere. Hammett expressed strong interest, describing the Sphere as a prime example of how venues are evolving. He noted that it fully embraces modern technology to enhance production and entertainment, incorporating elements like AI to create an extraordinary experience.

Metallica Would Probably Still Play in the Sphere Even If They Don’t Have Residency There

Metallica holds the rare distinction of being the first, and so far the only, band to have performed live on all seven continents, a milestone they achieved with their one-off Freeze ‘Em All concert at Antarctica’s Carlini Base on December 8, 2013. With such a rich history of playing at diverse locations all around the globe, it’s almost inevitable that fans would be able to see the iconic band in the Sphere.

Kirk Hammett has additionally explained that the band has always tried to look for new and exciting ways to connect with its audience. The Sphere’s high-tech entertainment setup could be a great way to do that. 

Opened in 2023, the Sphere is the world’s largest spherical structure, measuring 366 feet in height and 516 feet in width. Its exterior is covered in a massive LED display capable of projecting striking visuals visible from miles away. Inside, it features a 16K resolution wraparound screen and cutting-edge immersive audio technology that creates a truly impressive experience.

Considering both Metallica’s fame and reputation for making extravagant concerts, and the Sphere’s groundbreaking use of tech, the band making a concert there sometime in the future is quite likely.