Metallica’s 2026 Global Tour Announcement
Legendary heavy-metal titans Metallica have officially unveiled the next chapter of their epic world-tour saga. The announcement arrives via their ongoing M72 World Tour — the massive stadium trek supporting their 2023 album, 72 Seasons — with a brand-new European/UK leg slated for spring and summer 2026.
Tour format & production highlights
- The 2026 leg features two key formats: “One Night Only” performances in select cities, and special “No Repeat Weekend” stops where the band plays two nights in the same city with completely different setlists.
- Production-wise, the band is returning with their signature in-the-round stadium setup: the stage sits mid-field, and the infamous Snake Pit takes centre stage — giving fans a full 360° concert experience.
- Support acts include rock and metal heavy-hitters: Gojira and Knocked Loose will open the majority of dates, while Pantera and Avatar join for select “No Repeat Weekend” stops.
- Tickets: Fan-club presales begin May 27, 2025, while general sales open May 30, 2025.
Confirmed Dates & Cities (Europe / UK – 2026)
Here are the key dates and cities revealed so far. Note: More may be added later.
| Date | City, Country | Venue | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 9 | Athens, Greece | Olympic Stadium | One Night Only |
| May 13 | Bucharest, Romania | Arena Națională | One Night Only |
| May 19 | Chorzów, Poland | Stadion Śląski | One Night Only |
| May 22 & 24 | Frankfurt, Germany | Deutsche Bank Park | No Repeat Weekend |
| May 27 | Zürich, Switzerland | Stadion Letzigrund | One Night Only |
| May 30 | Berlin, Germany | Olympiastadion | One Night Only |
| June 3 | Bologna, Italy | Stadio Renato Dall’Ara | One Night Only |
| June 11 & 13 | Budapest, Hungary | Puskás Arena | No Repeat Weekend |
| June 19 & 21 | Dublin, Ireland | Aviva Stadium | No Repeat Weekend |
| June 25 | Glasgow, Scotland | Hampden Park | One Night Only |
| June 28 | Cardiff, Wales | Principality Stadium | One Night Only |
| July 3 & 5 | London, England | London Stadium | No Repeat Weekend |
Why this tour matters
- Metallica’s ability to continue pushing arena/stadium formats for decades is remarkable: this next leg of the M72 World Tour reinforces that they’re still operating at peak scale.
- The “No Repeat Weekend” concept gives hardcore fans extra incentive: two nights, unique setlists, different openers — perfect for “die-hard” attendance.
- The production design — stage in the round with the Snake Pit in the centre — speaks to the band’s interest in immersive, big-budget live experiences rather than simple run-of-the-mill shows.
- For many European fans, the 2026 dates mark a return after absence — cities like Cardiff and Glasgow will see them in stadiums again, and some of the venues haven’t hosted Metallica in years.
✅ What you should know if you’re going
- Tickets go on general sale May 30, 2025. Fan-club presales start May 27. Early planning is critical.
- If you’re in Nigeria (or elsewhere outside Europe), consider travel-logistics: European stadium shows in May–July mean flights, accommodation, visas (if required) may need booking months in advance.
- Decide whether you want a one-night only date or a two-night “No Repeat Weekend” to maximize your experience.
- Consider VIP/Enhanced packages: previous tour legs featured premium ticket types (e.g., Snake Pit access).
- Keep an eye on official announcements: more cities may be added (e.g., Asia, Africa, South America) as part of the “global” aspect — though only Europe/UK dates are confirmed so far.
Final Word
In short: Metallica’s 2026 tour leg is a major event for rock & metal fans. With stadium venues, high-calibre support acts, unique formats (no repeat sets), and a production designed for maximum impact, this is not just another tour — it’s a full-scale live spectacle.
If you’re keen to catch them live, now’s the time to plan. Whether you’re in Europe or hoping for additional global stops (Africa? Asia? Latin America?), this announcement is your signal to get ready.
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