A Monumental Conclusion at London Stadium
Metallica officially brought their massive M72 World Tour to a close on July 5, 2026, with a final performance at London Stadium. The show marked the 99th stop of a three-year global odyssey that redefined the band’s modern touring capabilities. By retiring the “no repeat” stadium format that defined this cycle, the band signaled a pivot toward new live experiences, specifically a highly anticipated residency at the Las Vegas Sphere beginning October 1, 2026.
The London finale was defined by a mix of high-energy legacy tracks and symbolic tributes. During the “Kirk And Rob Doodle,” guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Rob Trujillo honored the late Ozzy Osbourne—who passed away in July 2025—with a mashup of Black Sabbath’s “Electric Funeral” and the Sex Pistols’ “Holidays in the Sun.” Trujillo noted that the tribute was a continuation of the band’s commitment to honoring regional musical legends, specifically referencing the “Back to the Beginning” event held in Birmingham the previous year.
Technical Precision and Tour Evolution
Beyond the sentimentality of the finale, the tour demonstrated the band’s technical evolution. Kirk Hammett notably debuted a custom Jackson Pro Plus Series Signature Christian Andreu Rhoads RR24 EVTN6 guitar, gifted by Gojira guitarist Christian Andreu, during the London set. This gesture highlighted the professional camaraderie within the metal community and the band’s integration of modern gear into their stadium-sized production.
Despite the acoustical challenges frequently cited at London Stadium, the band maintained their reputation as a premier live act. The setlist—featuring classics like “Enter Sandman,” “One,” and “The Call of Ktulu”—illustrated the group’s ability to sustain intensity across a 99-show run. Critics noted that the band’s endurance and the sheer scale of the production have cemented their status as the dominant force in the global stadium circuit.
The Transition to the Sphere
The conclusion of the M72 cycle is not a pause in activity but a strategic shift in venue and format. The upcoming Las Vegas Sphere residency will feature 24 shows through March 2027. While the “no repeat” stadium format is being retired for now, the band plans to maintain a dynamic setlist structure for the residency, ensuring that the transition from open-air stadiums to the high-tech, enclosed environment of the Sphere remains a significant draw for the global fanbase.