Metallica ARE BACK — 2026 Spring Tour Confirmed, Their Boldest Since “A.M.”! Dates and Cities Revealed
Metallica Extend Their Historic M72 World Tour Into 2026
Metallica — the undisputed titans of heavy metal — have officially confirmed a sprawling spring and early summer concert tour across Europe and the UK in 2026. The latest leg of their nearly continuous M72 World Tour (in support of their 2023 album 72 Seasons) is shaping up to be one of the band’s most ambitious and fan-centric runs yet, complete with unique setlists, stacked supporting acts, and the triumphant continuation of the No Repeat Weekends concept that’s become a hallmark of this era of Metallica live shows.
After conquering arenas and stadiums across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East in 2025, Metallica are bringing their world-class production back to Europe in a massive spring-into-summer 2026 schedule.
Tour Concept & Production — An Unforgettable Experience
What sets this tour apart — and might be what some fans consider Metallica’s boldest since the And Justice for All era (“A.M.” referring to *…And Justice for All, one of their most lauded early works) — is the band’s continued commitment to No Repeat Weekends.
Under this approach, each multi-night stop (in cities like Dublin, Frankfurt, Budapest, and London) features two completely different setlists and different supporting acts. Fans who attend consecutive nights will not hear the same song twice, even in a city they revisit. This commitment to variety has re-energized interest among devotees of both catalogue deep cuts and massive hits alike.
The production itself — set in-the-round at the center of stadium fields — allows for a 360° fan experience unlike most arena tours. From every angle, audiences are locked in on the band as audiences in every direction share the spectacle.
Confirmed 2026 Dates and Cities — Spring Through Early Summer
The confirmed 2026 European and UK tour dates span May, June, and early July, touring iconic stadiums and arenas from Greece to England. Here’s a city-by-city look at the itinerary as currently announced:
May 2026
May 9 — Athens, Greece – Olympic Stadium
May 13 — Bucharest, Romania – Arena Națională
May 19 — Chorzów, Poland – Stadion Śląski
May 22 & May 24 — Frankfurt, Germany – Deutsche Bank Park (No Repeat Weekend)
May 27 — Zürich, Switzerland – Stadion Letzigrund
May 30 — Berlin, Germany – Olympiastadion
June 2026
June 3 — Bologna, Italy – Stadio Renato Dall’Ara
June 11 & June 13 — Budapest, Hungary – Puskás Arena (No Repeat Weekend)
June 19 & June 21 — Dublin, Ireland – Aviva Stadium (No Repeat Weekend)
June 25 — Glasgow, UK – Hampden Park
June 28 — Cardiff, Wales – Principality Stadium
July 2026
July 3 & July 5 — London, England – London Stadium (No Repeat Weekend)
This sweeping itinerary showcases Metallica’s intent to hit major capitals and fan hubs across the continent, blending blockbuster shows in stadiums with multi-night special runs.
Support Acts — Heavyweights of Metal Join the Ride
Metallica aren’t going it alone this spring. The band has confirmed a formidable roster of support acts that reflect the diversity and strength of heavy music today:
Pantera — Revived and heavier than ever, bringing raw power to select dates.
Gojira — Technical, progressive giants whose fanbase aligns perfectly with Metallica’s.
Knocked Loose — Hardcore inferno that has taken the underground and mainstream by storm.
Avatar — Swedish theatrical metal ringmasters with a punchy live presence.
These acts rotate between No Repeat Weekends and single dates, meaning fans will not only hear different Metallica setlists but also varied opening shows that create new experiences each night.
Tickets, Fan Club Presales & Enhanced Experiences
Tickets for the 2026 dates went on presale starting May 27, 2025, with general public sales beginning May 30, 2025. Fan club members were given early access and special packages including travel and VIP options — highlighting Metallica’s embrace of the global fan community’s needs.
In addition to standard tickets, enhanced experiences such as production tours, Snake Pit access, and premium lounge packages have been available for many stops on the tour — offering fans deeper immersion into the show beyond just the concert.
What This Tour Means for Metallica’s Legacy
This 2026 Spring tour — part of the larger M72 World Tour — marks a fourth year of continuous touring for Metallica since 2023. It’s a testament to their endurance as one of the world’s most influential and busiest acts, performing to millions and continually innovating the live metal experience.
Critics and fans alike have praised the band’s shift toward No Repeat Weekends and in-the-round staging, noting that it’s revitalized Metallica’s live shows after decades on the road. With each city offering something unique — setlists, surprises, and rotating supports — the band is redefining how legacy artists can keep touring fresh rather than formulaic.
While there have been rumors of future residencies (including reported discussions about a possible Las Vegas Sphere stint later in 2026), nothing official has been confirmed by the band regarding post-tour plans beyond these shows.
Final Thoughts
For fans of heavy metal, Metallica’s 2026 Spring tour isn’t just a set of dates — it’s an eventful continuation of a career that’s already eighty-plus million albums deep and famously influential across generations. With major cities, dynamic shows, heavyweight support acts, and innovative touring concepts, Metallica’s 2026 run promises to be one of the most exciting chapters in their storied history.
If you’re planning to catch Metallica in Europe or the UK next spring and summer, now’s the time to lock in your tickets and travel plans — because this tour is poised to be memorable on every front.
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