METALLICA BRING THE HEAT: M72 POP-UP SHOPS UNLEASH EXCLUSIVE VINYL, POSTERS, AND A SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY ARTIST KEN TAYLOR
As Metallica’s M72 World Tour continues to dominate stadiums around the globe, the band is turning up the excitement for fans everywhere with the announcement of a series of exclusive M72 Pop-Up Shops — immersive fan experiences filled with rare merchandise, live art, and once-in-a-lifetime collectibles.
Each M72 Pop-Up will feature its own unique splatter vinyl edition of the band’s acclaimed 2023 album 72 Seasons, plus an entirely exclusive screen-printed poster and t-shirt designed by world-renowned artist Ken Taylor. And for those lucky enough to be there early, Taylor himself will be appearing this Friday at 10 AM for a special merch signing and live painting session, giving fans a front-row look at his creative process.
It’s not just a merch stop — it’s a Metallica experience.
A Celebration of 72 Seasons and the M72 Tour
The pop-up shops are designed to complement the energy of Metallica’s M72 Tour — a groundbreaking series of “No Repeat Weekend” shows where the band plays two completely different sets in each city. These pop-ups give fans a space to gather, celebrate, and dive deeper into the world of 72 Seasons — the album that marked Metallica’s triumphant return to their raw, unfiltered roots.
Since its release, 72 Seasons has been hailed as one of Metallica’s boldest statements in decades. From the explosive opener “72 Seasons” to the haunting “Lux Æterna” and the thrashing intensity of “If Darkness Had a Son,” the record has resonated with longtime fans and newcomers alike. The splatter vinyl edition — exclusive to each city’s pop-up shop — features unique color patterns inspired by the fiery palette of the album’s artwork, making each pressing a true collector’s item.
The Ken Taylor Connection
Fans of Metallica’s visual legacy know that art has always been a cornerstone of the band’s identity — from the iconic “Pushead” skulls of the ’80s to the striking minimalism of their modern era. For the M72 Pop-Up series, Metallica tapped Ken Taylor, the celebrated Australian illustrator known for his detailed, cinematic poster art for bands like Pearl Jam, Queens of the Stone Age, and Nine Inch Nails.
Taylor’s designs for the M72 series capture the essence of 72 Seasons: rebirth, rage, and the flicker of light through darkness. Each city’s exclusive poster and t-shirt will feature hand-numbered, limited-edition prints, screen-printed on premium stock — once they’re gone, they’re gone.
In an official statement, Taylor said:
“Working with Metallica is like tapping into a living mythology. 72 Seasons is a raw, emotional record, and I wanted to create visuals that reflect that — something that feels alive, like it’s burning through the page.”
His appearance at Friday’s 10 AM signing and live painting session is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated fan events of the year. Attendees will be able to meet the artist, get their posters signed, and even watch him create a new piece of Metallica-inspired artwork right on site.
️ What to Expect Inside the Pop-Up
The M72 Pop-Up Shops are more than just retail — they’re mini Metallica museums, built to immerse fans in the atmosphere of the tour. Each location will feature:
- Exclusive city-specific splatter vinyl editions of 72 Seasons
- Limited-edition Ken Taylor poster and t-shirt (available only at that location)
- Vintage tour memorabilia and archival photography
- Interactive displays featuring behind-the-scenes footage and tour visuals
- Photo walls and props from Metallica’s history
- Fan giveaways and raffles for autographed items and rare collectibles
The pop-ups will open in select tour cities — including Los Angeles, Chicago, Montreal, London, and Berlin — with each stop running during the band’s concert weekend. Fans can check Metallica.com for full dates, hours, and location details.
A Meeting Ground for Metallica Nation
Beyond the merch and music, the M72 Pop-Up Shops have become a hub for the Metallica Family — a space where generations of fans can meet, share stories, and celebrate their shared devotion to the band. The vibe is electric, fueled by playlists of deep cuts, rare videos, and live recordings that transport visitors straight into the band’s universe.
At past pop-ups, fans have flown in from around the world just to grab exclusive items and soak in the atmosphere. Some even line up overnight, bonding with fellow metalheads over memories of past tours and the excitement of seeing the band again.
Die-hard fan Lisa Morgan from Glasgow summed it up perfectly:
“Metallica’s pop-ups aren’t just shops — they’re sacred ground. You meet people who understand why this band means everything to you. And when you walk out with that limited vinyl in your hands, you feel like you’ve got a piece of history.”
️ Friday: The Can’t-Miss Event
Ken Taylor’s live painting and signing session on Friday at 10 AM is expected to draw massive crowds. The artist will sign posters, t-shirts, and the exclusive splatter vinyl, while creating a one-of-a-kind artwork inspired by the energy of the M72 Tour. Rumor has it that the finished piece may even be auctioned later for charity through Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation, which supports hunger relief and education initiatives worldwide.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early — capacity is limited, and access will be first come, first served. Wristbands for the signing will be distributed upon store opening.
The Legacy Continues
With the M72 Tour blazing through continents and these pop-up shops adding a new dimension to the Metallica experience, the band continues to prove that their connection to fans is as strong as ever.
As James Hetfield said earlier this year:
“Metallica has always been about bringing people together. Whether it’s in a stadium or a record shop — it’s all part of the same family.”
And with 72 Seasons spinning on exclusive vinyl, Ken Taylor’s art blazing on the walls, and the sound of Metallica echoing through the speakers — that family is alive and louder than ever.
️ Key Details Recap:
- Event: M72 Pop-Up Shop — Exclusive 72 Seasons Splatter Vinyl & Merch
- Artist Appearance: Ken Taylor — Friday, 10 AM (Live painting + signing)
- Merch Highlights: Limited splatter vinyl, screen-printed poster, exclusive t-shirt
- Locations: Select cities across North America & Europe (details on Metallica.com)
- Charity Tie-In: Possible art auction to benefit All Within My Hands Foundation
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