Metallica’s M72 World Tour Storms Back in 2026 with Explosive Dates and Cities
Thrash-metal titans Metallica have thrown down the gauntlet for 2026 – unveiling a mammoth return to Europe under the banner of their ongoing “M72 World Tour”. The announcement, which went live on 22 May 2025, marks a fresh chapter for the band as they continue to support their 2023 album 72 Seasons and reaffirm their status as one of the world’s most spectacular live acts.
Here’s everything you need to know: dates, cities, special features and why this run is shaping up to be one for the books.
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The Announcement & Context
The announcement heralds a continuation of the M72 World Tour into spring and summer 2026, focusing on Europe (UK/European stadiums) at this stage. According to the band’s statement:
> “We’re excited to continue the now-tradition of No Repeat Weekends and will also have a mix of some One Night Only shows.”
That phrase “No Repeat Weekends” is key — a nod to their recent pattern of delivering two nights of completely different setlists in select cities.
Supporting acts have been confirmed, with heavyweights like Pantera, Gojira, Avatar and Knocked Loose set to join the ride.
Metallica’s own website confirmed that the tour will use their signature “in the round” stadium production (stage in the middle, Snake Pit section, 360° sightlines) – a spectacle that has become intrinsic to their live identity.
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Dates & Cities – Europe 2026
Below is the confirmed European leg for now. Expect more dates to drop later (North America and elsewhere may follow). Sources list:
Date City Venue Format
May 9 Athens, Greece Olympic Stadium One-night only
May 13 Bucharest, Romania Arena Naţională One-night only
May 19 Chorzów, Poland Stadion Śląski One-night only
May 22 & 24 Frankfurt, Germany Deutsche Bank Park No Repeat Weekend (2 nights)
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 Aréna 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
This lineup confirms at least four cities (Frankfurt, Budapest, Dublin, London) are getting the special double-show format.
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Why Is This Tour Significant?
1. Continuation of a legacy run
The M72 World Tour began back in 2023 and has since kept rolling — this 2026 escalation shows Metallica are far from slowing down. Fans worldwide are re-engaging with the full scale of their stadium-show ambition.
2. Elevated production value
The mid-field “in the round” set-up, Snake Pit access and 360-degree visuals are not gimmicks—they’re central to delivering immersive experiences. Given that stadium rock is still thriving, Metallica are doubling down on making each night feel massive.
3. Unique setlist formats
Their “No Repeat Weekend” concept means hardcore fans get distinct performances on each night in those cities. That encourages return visits and deep fan investment. As noted, the band is mixing One-Night-Only stops with these double-night takeovers.
4. Star-studded support line-up
Bringing in Pantera, Gojira, Avatar and Knocked Loose speaks to both legacy and next-gen metal. It widens the appeal and ensures variety across the tour.
5. European focus first
By targeting Europe for this leg, Metallica reaffirm their global reach. For fans in the UK, Ireland, continental Europe – this is a major opportunity. Whether they extend beyond Europe remains to be seen (likely they will).
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What to Look Out For & Fan Tips
Tickets: Fan-club presales start ahead of general sales; early action is advisable given demand.
Travel/Logistics: Some stops happen within days of one another (e.g., Frankfurt May 22/24, Zürich May 27, Berlin May 30) – if you’re planning to catch multiple shows, check travel options early.
Setlist differences: If you plan to attend both nights in a “No Repeat Weekend” city, expect different songs, unique moments, potentially guest appearances – making each night distinct.
Support acts switching: On the double-night cities, support acts alternate (e.g., one night with Gojira + Knocked Loose, another with Pantera + Avatar) — so check which night features which lineup.
Experience upgrades: VIP/ enhanced-experience tickets (meet & greet, production tour, snake pit access) are often available and can make the night extra special.
Stay updated: While the core Europe leg is laid out, more dates (especially outside Europe) may be added. Keep an eye on official site announcements.
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Why Nigeria/Africa Should Care
Although this European leg doesn’t list any African dates (so far), the scale of the tour indicates Metallica are in full global-domination mode. With stadium shows in major cities and an expansive support cast, it’s the sort of tour that could eventually swing to other continents. Nigerian fans and wider African metal communities should stay alert: given the band’s appetite for global reach, it wouldn’t be a surprise if a future leg includes African venues.
Moreover, if you’re planning to travel overseas for this show (e.g., London, Dublin or Budapest), now’s a good time to budget: flights, accommodation and tickets all sell quickly for bands of this calibre.
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The Big Picture
This 2026 tour announcement is more than just a set of dates—it’s a statement of intent. Metallica are reaffirming their status not just as a legacy act, but as a band still pushing boundaries in live production, fan engagement and global ambition. The fact that they’re combining mega stadium shows, unique set-lists and standout supporting acts means this isn’t just another tour—it’s a celebration.
For the fans: mark the calendar. Whether you’re going to Athens in May or London in July, you’re in for the kind of stadium-rock experience that Metallica have spent decades perfecting. For the band: it’s another opportunity to dominate the live landscape, reaffirming why they remain one of the biggest and best-regarded bands in rock & metal.
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