Lars Ulrich Inspired by U2, Metallica Expands Vegas Sphere Residency to 24 Nights

Metallica’s upcoming Las Vegas Sphere residency just became one of the most ambitious live commitments in modern rock. The band initially announced eight dates for the fall, but overwhelming fan demand has pushed the residency to 24 nights running weekly from October 2026 through March 2027. What sparked this expansion and shifted Metallica’s vision? A visit from drummer Lars Ulrich to U2’s groundbreaking opening night at the Sphere. In an SiriusXM interview with The Edge, Ulrich opened up about being“awestruck, inspired, energized”by what U2 achieved with the venue’s revolutionary 16K wraparound screens and cutting-edge sound systems. That experience directly influenced how Metallica now approaches their own residency.

Ulrich was refreshingly candid about the challenge ahead. He called the residency“overwhelming and fucking intimidating,”acknowledging that it represents unfamiliar territory for a band that typically controls every aspect of their environment. But that vulnerability is part of what makes this move so significant. At a career stage where they could easily rely on time-tested formulas, Metallica is choosing to lean into discomfort and innovation. The Sphere venue itself has become a destination for major rock acts, with Phish, Dead&Company, and the Eagles also committing to residencies. This shift signals a new era in touring where technology and venue become as important as the performance itself.

Coming off their successful M72 world tour across London, Dublin, Glasgow, and Cardiff, Metallica brings serious momentum into this Vegas chapter. The question now is simple: what will they create when they step into an environment where traditional band control doesn’t exist? Are you planning to catch any of the 24 Metallica nights at the Sphere?