Metallica are currently rewriting the live music history books on the European leg of their “M72” World Tour. On Wednesday, June 3, the heavy metal titans established their sixth attendance record of the current tour run with a massive show in Bologna, Italy.
Following the concert at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, the band took to Instagram to share an impressive photo of the packed stadium and express their gratitude to the local fans.
“With five record-breaking crowds already on this leg of #M72, the Italian branch of the #MetallicaFamily knew what was at stake… and they definitely delivered! Over 47,000 of you packed into the beautiful Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, setting yet another attendance record. Thank you so much for making #M72Bologna a night to remember!” the band wrote.
Fans at the historic Bologna gig were treated to a blistering 16-song setlist, bookended by the classics “Creeping Death” and “Enter Sandman“. Keeping with their tour tradition, guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo delivered a special regional “doodle” segment, performing a cover of “Ken il Guerriero” by Italian musical project Spectra.
The Bologna milestone marks the sixth time Metallica has shattered a venue’s attendance record since this leg of the tour kicked off less than a month ago. The streak began on opening night, May 9, when the band drew over 90,000 fans to the Athens Olympic Stadium in Greece. “Trust us, we could feel it,” they said of the massive crowd.
From there, the record-breaking run continued at the Arena Națională in Bucharest, Romania. “Another show, another record broken! The #MetallicaFamily in Bucharest set a new attendance record at Arena Națională. You guys kept up the energy all night long – THANK YOU,” the band shared following the show.
On May 19, the group hit the Stadion Śląski in Chorzów, Poland, writing: “Poland, you’ve blown us away. Over 90,000 of you packed into Stadion Śląski for #M72Chorzów last night, shattering the attendance record.”
That momentum carried into Germany. At Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, the band noted: “Our #M72Frankfurt No Repeat Weekend saw over 62,000 fans pack Deutsche Bank Park for each show, and wow, could we hear it.” A few days later on May 30, they rolled into the Olympiastadion in Berlin, obliterating previous venue records by pulling in an astonishing 94,000 concertgoers. “Over 94,000 of you helped break the record for the biggest EVER show at Olympiastadion. Thank you,” the band stated.
A major factor in Metallica‘s ability to consistently maximize venue capacities on this tour is their massive, custom-built “in-the-round” stage design. By placing the performance area in the center of the stadium floor rather than at one end, the production frees up thousands of additional seats and standing-room spots that would normally be blocked by a traditional staging setup.
Metallica Setlist at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara (according to Setlist.fm):
- “Creeping Death“
- “For Whom the Bell Tolls“
- “Cyanide“
- “King Nothing“
- “72 Seasons“
- “The Unforgiven“
- “Fuel“
- Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo Doodle — “Ken il Guerriero” (Instrumental Spectra cover)
- “The Day That Never Comes“
- “Wherever I May Roam“
- “Nothing Else Matters“
- “Sad but True“
- “One“
- “Seek & Destroy“
- “Master of Puppets“
- “Enter Sandman“
Metallica officially launched the “M72” world tour in Amsterdam in April 2023 to support their eleventh studio album, 72 Seasons. Since then, the heavy metal titans have performed for an estimated four million fans worldwide.
Metallica also launched a new public health initiative involving All Within My Hands foundation, the Welsh Blood Service, England’s NHS Blood And Transplant, and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service. The collaboration represents the first time blood services across the United Kingdom have partnered with a global rock act on this scale to encourage blood and plasma donations.
The campaign urges fans to donate blood surrounding Metallica‘s upcoming U.K. stadium dates in June and July. The initiative highlights the constant necessity for blood products, which carry a shelf life of 35 days, to assist trauma victims, cancer patients, new mothers, and individuals with long-term medical conditions.
Established in 2017, the All Within My Hands foundation has raised more than $20 million to address food insecurity, disaster response, and vocational education. A portion of ticket sales from every concert on the tour is routinely allocated to local charities. The foundation has actively promoted blood donation drives throughout the “M72” tour cycle, previously resulting in fans donating 152 units of blood during a single tour stop in Philadelphia.
Metallica Upcoming 2026 U.K. Tour Dates:
- June 25 – Glasgow, Scotland – Hampden Park
- June 28 – Cardiff, Wales – Principality Stadium
- July 03 – London, England – London Stadium
- July 05 – London, England – London Stadium
Metallica Remaining 2026 European Tour Dates:
- June 11 – Budapest, Hungary – Puskas Arena
- June 13 – Budapest, Hungary – Puskas Arena
- June 19 – Dublin, Ireland – Aviva Stadium
- June 21 – Dublin, Ireland – Aviva Stadium
