Metallica Plans Las Vegas Sphere Residency, 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show

Metallica is considering a residency at the Las Vegas Sphere for the fall of 2026 following the conclusion of their M72 World Tour, though nothing has been officially confirmed or green-lit yet. Drummer Lars Ulrich expressed enthusiasm for the venue, having attended U2's opening night and being impressed by the Sphere's advanced audiovisual technology, which guitarist Kirk Hammett praised for its innovative use of AI and immersive experience. The Sphere, the largest spherical structure on Earth, features a 16K resolution wraparound screen and cutting-edge audio systems designed to create an unparalleled live performance environment. Metallica plans an intimate show on August 28th at the Stephen Talkhouse in Long Island to celebrate the launch of their new SiriusXM channel, Maximum Metallica. Additionally, Ulrich mentioned the band's interest in performing at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show in San Francisco, their longtime hometown, though no approach has been made yet. Given Metallica's history of embracing unique venues and innovative performances, a Sphere residency would be a significant next chapter for the band.