James Hetfield has opened up about the Metallica songs that continue to test the band live during their M72 World Tour, even after decades of performing them. In a recent interview, Hetfield discussed how certain tracks remain demanding — not just physically, but emotionally and technically — and why they still push Metallica despite the band’s vast experience onstage.
The M72 World Tour — named after Metallica’s most recent studio double album — has seen the band playing arenas and stadiums across the globe with an ambitious setlist that spans their entire career. While many songs have become reliable live staples, Hetfield says some tracks still demand serious focus and effort from the band night after night.
Despite performing them for years — and in some cases, for decades — Hetfield identified a handful of Metallica classics that consistently present challenges on the road:
- “One” — The song’s intricate structure and dramatic shifts continue to require tight coordination between Hetfield’s rhythm guitar, Kirk Hammett’s leads, and the rhythm section.
- “Master of Puppets” — Long hailed as one of Metallica’s crowning achievements, its relentless tempo and layered arrangements still leave the band digging deep physically.
- “Battery” — As one of Metallica’s fastest and most aggressive numbers, Battery’s breakneck pace is a regular test of stamina, particularly for Hetfield’s picking hand and vocal transitions.
- “…And Justice for All” — Known for its lengthy, complex structure, this track demands precision and endurance from the entire band, making it a perennial challenge on tour.
Hetfield explained that these tracks remain difficult not because they’re out of the band’s league, but because of their intricacy, tempo and emotional intensity. Even seasoned pros can find that certain songs demand extra preparation to maintain their live impact night after night.
For Metallica fans, hearing classics like “One” or “Master of Puppets” live isn’t just about nostalgia. These tracks represent the band at its most transformative — shaping the sound of thrash metal and influencing countless musicians across genres. Keeping them in the setlist, even when they are difficult, affirms the band’s commitment to delivering the full Metallica experience.
Hetfield said that cutting these songs would be easier, but that fans expect — and deserve — performances that showcase Metallica’s signature energy and technical prowess. Playing them night after night, city after city, reinforces the band’s ethos: challenges are part of the process, not excuses to avoid the classics.
The M72 World Tour itself has obligated Metallica to stretch their live muscles in other ways as well. With multiple setlist variations that dip into deep cuts, fan favorites, and newer material alike, the tour demands both versatility and stamina from the performers.
Beyond the physical aspects, Hetfield noted that performing these complex songs still requires psychological focus. Certain tracks carry emotional weight, reflecting themes of war, trauma, conflict and personal reflection — and delivering them night after night means revisiting those emotional spaces in addition to executing the arrangements.
