Rumors Suggest Metallica Could Be Planning a Residency at the Las Vegas Sphere

Officially opening in September 2023, the Las Vegas Sphere offered fans a unique viewing experience. Featuring 580,000 sq ft of LED displays, fans were completely transported into a different reality. And over the last two years, bands like Phish, The Eagles, Backstreet Boys, U2, and more performed on its stage. But recently, rumors started to circulate that the legendary heavy metal band, Metallica, might be preparing to take over the Sphere in 2026. 

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The idea of Metallica performing at the Sphere first hit headlines thanks to Vital Vegas. Again, just a rumor for now, it made sense when looking at the band’s schedule. Metallica will kick off their 2026 M72 World Tour in late spring and end in July. Vital Vegas claimed the band was looking at the Sphere for a fall 2026 residency. With no shows scheduled at the time, the rumor could be true. 

To further support the claim, Kirk Hammett shared his interest in playing at the Sphere with The Hollywood Reporter. When asked about the idea of Metallica performing at the futuristic venue, he said, “Oh, heck, yeah! That’s a great example of how venues are changing. That’s using modern technology to the fullest, to really up the levels of production and entertainment, connected to A.I. and making it a crazy experience.” 

[RELATED: On This Day in 1983, Metallica Changed the Metal World With Their Groundbreaking Debut Album]

Metallica Once Performed In Antarctica In 2013

Since Metallica has performed all over the world, including Antarctica, it’s only a matter of time before they add the Sphere to their list of venues. Although it sounded bizarre that a band played in Antarctica, the concert happened back in December 2013. The concert, called Freeze ‘Em All, only included 10 songs that were transmitted to the audience using headphones to cut down on noise pollution. The concert was attended by only 120 people. 

While most Metallica fans missed the event, the concert was released on a live album. And in 2015, a documentary about the unusual concert was released. With the band more than willing to battle freezing temperatures to make history, it seemed that the only thing that stood between them and the Sphere was time.

(Photo by Steve Jennings/Getty Images)