Kirk Hammett Says Metallica Is Open For A Show At Las Vegas Sphere: ‘Oh, Heck, Yeah!’

Guitarist Kirk Hammett certainly seems open to the idea of Metallica performing at Las Vegas Sphere, expressing strong enthusiasm for the unique venue in a recent interview. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Hammett was asked about the possibility of Metallica performing at the 17,600-capacity spherical arena that has captivated audiences since its September 2023 debut. “Oh, heck, yeah!” Hammett responded affirmatively.

He elaborated on the venue’s appeal, viewing it as a leap forward in live entertainment. “That’s a great example of how venues are changing,” Hammett explained. “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.”

The Sphere, located just off the Las Vegas Strip, has quickly established itself as a landmark venue, known for its immersive capabilities. Its interior boasts a massive 16K resolution wraparound LED screen and a state-of-the-art sound system designed to create unparalleled concert and cinematic experiences.

The venue has already proven its viability for major rock residencies. U2 famously opened the Sphere with their “U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere” show, performing 40 sold-out dates from September 2023 through March 2024. The residency, celebrating their 1991 album Achtung Baby, garnered global attention for its stunning visuals and innovative use of the venue’s technology, becoming a social media phenomenon.

Following U2‘s successful run, other legendary rock acts, including Phish, Dead & Company, and The Eagles, have also booked or completed residencies, cementing the Sphere‘s status as a cutting-edge destination for live music’s biggest names. The venue has also hosted non-music events like the NHL Draft and a UFC event, demonstrating its versatility. Sphere Entertainment, the company operating the venue, has also announced plans for international expansion with a similar project planned for Abu Dhabi.

While Kirk Hammett‘s comments don’t confirm any official plans for Metallica to play the Sphere, his positive reaction signals significant interest from one of the world’s biggest bands in harnessing the venue’s unique technological possibilities for their own powerful live show.

Earlier this year, Kirk has also expressed openness to revisiting the band’s controversial Load and Reload era.

During an interview with the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast, the lead guitarist was asked whether he’d be interested in making music similar to the band’s mid-90s albums. Despite the divisive reception from diehard metal fans, he didn’t rule out the possibility of exploring that style again.

“Yeah, who knows? We might just say, ‘OK, let’s go back to the 90s again,’” he said (via Blabbermouth). “It’s not a bad idea.”

Hammett also pointed out that while Load and Reload faced harsh criticism upon release, some of their songs remain crowd favorites in Metallica’s live shows.

“We changed our appearance, we changed our sound, we changed the way we recorded,” Hammett reflected. “I was even playing different guitars and f**king tuning to E-flat and listening to a lot of blues and jazz. And so all those factors came out on Load and Reload to make what Load and Reload are, and Load and Reload are so different from anything that came before it.”