Metallica may soon bring their explosive live show to one of the most advanced concert venues in the world — the Las Vegas Sphere.
During an August 7 appearance on SiriusXM’s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk”, bassist Robert Trujillo confirmed that the band has already held meetings about a potential Sphere residency. The shows could take place in fall 2026, after the group wraps its M72 world tour with a European leg next July.
Although Trujillo has not yet visited the venue himself, he is eager about the idea.
“It’s a mystery to me,” he said. “Everybody I know has been there and says, ‘Oh my God, this is incredible.’ I love the visual experience. We’ve met, had meetings about it. I’m already imagining songs like ‘Orion’ with huge visuals. The possibilities are endless. It’s like a dream come true.”
He added that Metallica’s drummer Lars Ulrich mentioning the Sphere on The Howard Stern Show is a sign that plans are moving forward.
“It’s definitely something we want to do. No heavy rock band has played the Sphere yet. There’s huge potential for visual impact with our music.”
Lars Ulrich on the Sphere Rumors
On August 6, Ulrich told Howard Stern that the band is considering a residency but stressed that nothing has been signed.
“I’m not going to confirm it, but I’m not going to deny it. We’re fans of the venue. All our managers and production people have seen it. We’re looking at it for when the 2026 tour is done.”
Ulrich recalled attending U2’s opening night at the Sphere in 2023.
“I was completely blown away. It felt like the beginning of another chapter in live performances. I’d love to do it, no question.”
When asked if Metallica would consider playing the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show in San Francisco, Ulrich didn’t hesitate.
“Of course we would. To do it in San Francisco would be a dream. We haven’t been approached, but it’s the right fit.”
Kirk Hammett and the Future of Live Venues
In April, guitarist Kirk Hammett told The Hollywood Reporter he would “absolutely” perform at the Sphere, calling it a perfect example of how modern technology is transforming live shows.
About the Las Vegas Sphere
Opened in September 2023, the 17,600-capacity Sphere is located near the Venetian Resort and Wynn Las Vegas. It is equipped with:
A 16K resolution wraparound LED display
Sphere Immersive Sound powered by HOLOPLOT for unmatched audio clarity
4D effects that integrate seamlessly with the performances
The venue has already hosted residencies from U2, PHISH, Dead & Company, and The Eagles. U2’s “Achtung Baby” residency drew over 700,000 fans across 40 sold-out shows, generating billions of online impressions and setting a new bar for immersive concerts.
Beyond music, the Sphere has also hosted major events such as the NHL Draft and UFC fights. Sphere Entertainment has even announced plans for a second location in Abu Dhabi.
If Metallica’s residency becomes reality, they would be the first heavy rock band to play the Sphere, marking another milestone in their legendary career.
