Lars Ulrich Admits Metallica's Vegas Sphere Residency Is "Overwhelming and Intimidating"

Metallica just announced something massive. After wrapping their three-year M72 World Tour, the legendary metal band is heading straight to Las Vegas’Sphere for a 24-show residency running from October 2026 through March 2027. But here’s what makes this announcement so compelling: drummer Lars Ulrich isn’t pretending this is just another gig. In an interview with U2’s The Edge on SiriusXM, Ulrich openly described the prospect of performing at the Sphere as“overwhelming and fucking intimidating.”For a band that’s been dominating stages for decades, that kind of vulnerability is refreshing and honest.

What’s driving this bold move? Inspiration from U2’s own groundbreaking Sphere residency. Ulrich attended the opening night and left totally“awestruck, inspired, and energized.”The band’s been preparing for over a year, but they’re not hiding the fact that they’re stepping completely outside their comfort zone. At a traditional Metallica show, they control every element. At the Sphere, they’re working with cutting-edge immersive visuals, spatial audio, and technology that demands a completely different approach to performance. Despite the nerves, Ulrich expressed confidence that the band will be ready when they take the stage.

This residency represents something bigger than just another tour stop. It’s a statement that even legacy acts can still grow, challenge themselves, and reinvent how they connect with audiences. Metallica’s willingness to admit they’re intimidated shows they’re taking this seriously. Are you planning to catch any of the shows?