Metallica’s James Hetfield Announces Explosive 2026 World Tour — Full Dates and Cities Revealed
The gods of heavy metal are back on the road once again. James Hetfield, frontman and co-founder of the legendary band Metallica, has officially announced the group’s explosive 2026 world tour, sending waves of excitement through the global rock community. The announcement, made during a live-streamed press conference from Los Angeles, confirmed that the new leg of Metallica’s M72 World Tour will cover over 40 cities across six continents, promising one of the band’s biggest and boldest live experiences yet.
Hetfield, flanked by drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Kirk Hammett, and bassist Robert Trujillo, revealed that the tour will kick off in San Francisco on April 3, 2026, before hitting major cities including London, Paris, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Sydney, Johannesburg, and Mexico City, among others. The final show is scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro in December 2026, marking nearly nine months of non-stop performances.
“We’ve always said that the stage is our home,” Hetfield told reporters. “Every night, we get to relive what Metallica is all about — the energy, the fans, the connection. The 2026 tour will be louder, heavier, and more explosive than anything we’ve ever done.”
A Legacy That Never Fades
For more than four decades, Metallica has reigned supreme as one of the most influential and successful bands in rock history. From their early thrash metal roots with albums like Kill ’Em All and Master of Puppets, to their mainstream dominance with The Black Album, Metallica has continually reinvented itself while staying true to its raw power and authenticity.
The 2026 world tour marks another milestone in their journey — one that celebrates both their new music and their timeless classics. Fans can expect a setlist that spans the band’s entire career, featuring songs such as “Enter Sandman,” “One,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Fuel,” as well as newer hits from their recent album, 72 Seasons.
According to guitarist Kirk Hammett, fans should prepare for an unforgettable show.
“We’ve redesigned everything — the stage, the visuals, the lighting. It’s going to be a 360-degree experience where no one feels left out. This is Metallica at full force.”
Full Dates and Cities Revealed
The tour will feature a mix of stadiums and massive open-air venues, with each city hosting two unique shows featuring different setlists — a format that began during the 2023–2025 M72 Tour and was met with huge fan approval. The full list of confirmed cities includes:
- San Francisco, USA – April 3 & 5
- Mexico City, Mexico – April 12 & 14
- London, UK – May 2 & 4
- Paris, France – May 9 & 11
- Berlin, Germany – May 17 & 19
- Milan, Italy – May 24 & 26
- Tokyo, Japan – June 8 & 10
- Seoul, South Korea – June 14 & 16
- Sydney, Australia – June 28 & 30
- Johannesburg, South Africa – July 6 & 8
- Buenos Aires, Argentina – November 15 & 17
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – December 12 & 14
Additional dates and cities are expected to be announced in early 2026, with pre-sale tickets available exclusively to Metallica Fan Club members starting next week. General ticket sales will open on November 10, 2025.
The Band’s Ongoing Evolution
Drummer Lars Ulrich described the upcoming tour as a “testament to endurance and passion.”
“We’re not just playing shows — we’re celebrating a lifetime of music, sweat, and loyalty. Metallica has always been about pushing boundaries, and this tour will be no different.”
Bassist Robert Trujillo added that the band has been rehearsing relentlessly, determined to deliver their tightest and most energetic performances yet. “We feed off the fans,” he said. “Their energy fuels us, and we give it right back.”
Fans Ready to Rock
As soon as the announcement dropped, social media erupted with excitement. The hashtags #Metallica2026 and #M72WorldTour began trending globally within hours. Fans expressed their joy, sharing memories of past concerts and vowing to secure tickets for what many are calling “the ultimate Metallica experience.”
With this monumental announcement, Metallica once again proves that true legends never fade — they evolve, they roar, and they remind the world why they are the undisputed titans of rock.
As Hetfield himself said, closing out the announcement with his signature grin:
“We’re still here, still loud, and still ready to melt some faces. See you on the road!”
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