Speculation surrounding Metallica‘s future live plans is heating up once again, with a new report suggesting the band is close to securing a major residency at Las Vegas’ cutting-edge Sphere venue.
According to The Sun’s “Bizarre” column, Metallica is reportedly “90 percent” through negotiations for a Sphere run slated for 2027, following the conclusion of their ongoing “M72” world tour, which is currently scheduled to wrap up in July 2026. A source described the potential residency as a major talking point in Las Vegas, stating: “Metallica having a residency at the Sphere is all anyone is talking about on the [Las Vegas] Strip. They have been to see the bosses and met all the tech team to talk through and plan out a show in principle.”
While no official announcement has been made, members of the band have previously spoken openly about their fascination with the venue. Last August, drummer Lars Ulrich addressed the growing rumors during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show, making it clear that discussions were taking place—though nothing had been finalized.
“I’m not going to confirm anything, because there’s nothing to confirm. But I’m not going to deny it, because we’re all such fans of this venue,” Ulrich said. “It’s something that we’re considering, nothing is etched in stone or green-lit. It’s something that we’re looking at at some point when the 2026 tour is done.”
“I’m not going to bulls**t you, I would f**king love to do it, let there be no question about it,” he later added. “It’s not signed, sealed and delivered, but speaking to me and asking my opinion, I would f**king love to do it.”
Guitarist Kirk Hammett echoed that enthusiasm earlier last year, highlighting the Sphere as a symbol of how far concert production has evolved. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter in April, Hammett praised the venue’s embrace of modern technology.
“Oh, heck, yeah! That’s a great example of how venues are changing,” he said. “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.”
If the deal comes together, Metallica would follow in the footsteps of U2, who launched the Sphere with a landmark residency, and Phish, who later brought their own immersive shows to the venue. Given Metallica’s long-standing reputation for ambitious staging and innovative live production, a Sphere residency could mark another bold chapter in the band’s touring history—and potentially redefine what a metal show can look like in a next-generation setting.
