Metallica are once again proving why they remain one of the most enduring and electrifying forces in rock history. The iconic metal pioneers have announced that their record-breaking M72 World Tour will extend into a fourth consecutive year, unveiling a 16-date run across Europe and the UK scheduled for May through July 2026.
Metallica (Tim Saccenti)
Launched in April 2023, the M72 World Tour has already stormed across continents, drawing in over four million fans and redefining what a modern metal tour can be. With its ambitious scale, immersive stage production, and the band’s relentless energy, M72 has become more than a tour—it’s a landmark celebration of Metallica’s legacy and enduring global impact. The 2026 dates mark another major chapter in this monumental undertaking, bringing the M72 experience to eight countries over three months, while introducing the tour to cities not visited since 2009, such as Frankfurt, Dublin, and Budapest.
Metallica @ Twickenham
Carrying forward one of the most celebrated aspects of the M72 tour, the 2026 leg will once again feature the No Repeat Weekend format. These two-night city stops are a dream come true for hardcore fans—two completely unique setlists, no song repeated, and a rotating cast of top-tier support acts. It’s a full weekend of immersive metal mayhem designed to reward the band’s most loyal followers with unprecedented variety and depth. These engagements promise a festival-like experience—multiple nights, different opening acts, and career-spanning setlists that reach deep into Metallica’s four-decade discography.
Even on single-show stops, the James Hetfield-fronted metal quartet are bringing the full weight of the M72 production, including its iconic in-the-round stage—a massive, circular setup that brings the band closer to the crowd and transforms stadiums into intimate, high-octane arenas. Every fan gets a unique perspective, and every performance becomes a shared, full-circle experience.
As if Metallica weren’t enough, each show will also feature a rotating cast of powerhouse support acts, with Pantera, Gojira, Knocked Loose, and Avatar confirmed for the European and UK dates. These bands bring their own loyal fanbases and distinct energy to the stage, ensuring that every night is a dynamic, full-spectrum showcase of metal’s past, present, and future. From the crushing legacy of Pantera to the progressive ferocity of Gojira and the genre-bending chaos of Knocked Loose, the 2026 leg promises one of the most varied and powerful touring lineups Metallica has ever assembled.
Pantera @ BP Pulse Arena, Birmingham
Tickets go on sale to the general public on 30th May at 10am local time, with Metallica fan club pre-sales beginning 27th May at 11am local time. Fans are encouraged to act quickly—given the demand for past M72 shows, many dates are expected to sell out fast. Fans can also access enhanced experiences, travel packages, and exclusive merch bundles via the official tour site: metallica.lnk.to/M72WorldTour2026
Beyond the music, the M72 World Tour continues Metallica’s mission to give back. A portion of proceeds from every ticket sold will go to All Within My Hands, the band’s nonprofit foundation focused on career education, food security, and disaster relief.
Since its launch in 2017, the foundation has raised over $20 million, funding vital programs like the Metallica Scholars Initiative, now in its seventh year, which provides career and technical education to underserved communities. Additionally, All Within My Hands has directed more than $7.4 million to fight hunger and over $4.7 million for disaster recovery efforts around the world.
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Metallica 2026 Tour Poster
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James Hetfield of Metallica @ Twickenham (Jamie MacMillan)
2026 M72 World Tour Tour Dates:
MAY
9th – Athens, Olympic Stadium, Greece*
13th – Bucharest, Arena Națională, Romania*
19th – Chorzów, Stadion Śląski, Poland*
22nd – Frankfurt, Deutsche Bank Park, Germany*
24th – Frankfurt, Deutsche Bank Park, Germany+
27th – Zurich, Stadion Letzigrund, Switzerland*
30th – Berlin, Olympiastadion, Germany*
JUNE
3rd – Bologna, Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Italy*
11th – Budapest, Puskas Arena, Hungary+
13th – Budapest, Puskas Arena, Hungary*
19th – Dublin, Aviva Stadium, Ireland+
21st – Dublin, Aviva Stadium, Ireland*
25th – Glasgow, Hampden Park, Scotland*
28th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium, Wales*
JULY
3rd – London, London Stadium, UK*
5th – London, London Stadium, UK+
(*Single night performance / +Second night of No Repeat Weekend)
As Metallica prepares to bring the next phase of the M72 World Tour to Europe and the UK, one thing is certain: this is more than a concert series—it’s a global movement, a multi-year celebration of the band’s unparalleled legacy, and a gift to fans new and old. If you’ve ever wanted to see Metallica at their most ambitious and powerful, 2026 is your year. Brace yourself. Europe, Metallica are coming.
Metallica 2026 Tour Poster
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