Metallica Might Be the Next Band to Rock the Vegas Sphere
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A major rumor has surfaced that Metallica might soon follow in the footsteps of U2, Dead & Company, and Phish with a high-tech residency at the Las Vegas Sphere. According to the outlet Vital Vegas, sources claim the band is preparing to finalize a deal that could see them perform at the Sphere sometime in fall 2026. Though unconfirmed by the band, the timing and venue seem to align with Metallica’s ambitions.
The Sphere, which opened in late 2023, is already becoming one of the most innovative and visually jaw-dropping concert venues in the world. With its 360-degree visuals, immersive audio, and massive dome design, it offers artists a completely new way to present their music. For a band like Metallica—known for pushing boundaries with stage design—this venue could be the perfect playground.
If the rumor proves true, it would mark a major evolution in Metallica’s live show legacy. With decades of touring under their belt and an appetite for cutting-edge technology, they’re one of the few bands with both the resources and vision to pull off something on this scale.
Metallica’s Tour Schedule and the Potential Timeline
Metallica is currently in the thick of their ambitious M72 World Tour, which has redefined the live concert experience with a unique circular stage and dual-night performances in each city. The tour will pick up again in November 2025 with a leg in Australia, followed by a return to Europe in the spring. After that, the band has a noticeable gap in their schedule.
That break in the calendar is fueling speculation that Metallica could be eyeing a more stationary but no less spectacular performance residency. With the Sphere offering unparalleled production potential, the downtime between tour legs might serve as the perfect opportunity to develop something groundbreaking.
It wouldn’t be the first time Metallica timed a massive production during a touring lull. Past endeavors, such as the S&M2 shows and their global simulcast cinema events, have shown that the band uses tour breaks to innovate rather than rest. A Sphere residency would follow that same trend.
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Who’s Played the Sphere—and Why Metallica Makes Sense
The Las Vegas Sphere has already played host to some of music’s biggest names, including U2, Dead & Company, Phish, and most recently, The Eagles. These acts have used the venue’s wraparound visuals and spatial sound systems to redefine what a live show can be. Metallica, with their heavy focus on spectacle, would fit right in.
Outside of rock, acts like Kenny Chesney, the Backstreet Boys, and several top EDM artists have also played the Sphere. But it’s the rock legends who’ve fully embraced the venue’s storytelling capabilities, bringing both nostalgia and modern innovation into one experience. This makes Metallica a prime candidate to continue that lineage.
Given Metallica’s love of theatrics, large-scale production, and immersive visuals—as seen on the M72 tour—the Sphere could give them the ultimate canvas. Whether it’s AI-driven animations or cinematic narrative arcs synced with their setlist, the band is perfectly suited for this level of tech-forward entertainment.
Metallica’s Own Hints and What Comes Next
Though the band has not made any official statement about a Sphere residency, guitarist Kirk Hammett did express interest earlier this year in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. His enthusiastic response—“Oh heck, yeah!”—suggests that the idea isn’t far-fetched at all. Hammett even praised the venue for using modern technology in a way that makes the concert experience “a crazy experience.”
Metallica has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to performance innovation. From Through the Never’s fusion of film and live concert to S&M2’s orchestral reinvention of their hits, the band doesn’t shy away from experimenting. A Sphere show seems like a natural evolution of their career-long quest to blend music with multimedia spectacle.
If the rumors are true, fans may want to start planning their Vegas trips early. A Metallica residency at the Sphere wouldn’t just be another set of shows—it would likely be an all-out, multi-sensory event that pushes the limits of what a live metal performance can be. For now, we wait—but anticipation is already building.
