Metallica are reportedly close to securing a landmark Las Vegas residency at the Sphere, the world-famous high-tech entertainment venue on the Las Vegas Strip. According to multiple industry sources, negotiations are said to be about 90 percent complete, suggesting that a deal could soon be finalized for shows at the venue as part of the iconic metal band’s post-tour plans.
The potential residency — which has been widely discussed among fans and local Vegas insiders — would mark a major chapter in Metallica’s live-performance history and extend their presence beyond traditional stadium and arena touring. If confirmed, it would also make Metallica one of the first heavy metal acts to anchor a residency at the venue, following artists like U2 and The Eagles (among others) who have already brought major productions to the Sphere.
Reports circulating in Las Vegas entertainment circles indicate that Metallica have been in discussions with Sphere executives and production teams, meeting to plan out a proposed show and overall residency concept in principle. While no official contract has been publicly signed or announced, sources familiar with the process suggest that the deal is nearing final stages.
A spokesperson familiar with the negotiations told industry observers that the band has already visited the venue, met with technical staff and discussed how Metallica’s music could be presented using the Sphere’s unique immersive technologies. This aligns with comments Metallica members have made about the idea in the past — acknowledging interest without formally committing to anything.
Over the past year, Metallica’s own statements have fueled speculation around a Sphere residency. In interviews, drummer Lars Ulrich acknowledged that the band’s team had “looked at” the venue and expressed admiration for its capabilities, particularly after seeing U2’s residency there. However, he also stressed that while they are interested, nothing has been definitively confirmed.
Bassist Robert Trujillo has also publicly commented on the talks, revealing that the group has discussed the possibility and that the immersive nature of the Sphere — especially its audio and visual elements — appeals to the band’s creative vision. Trujillo described imagining how songs like “Orion” could be enhanced by the venue’s technologies, capturing the potential for a deeply engaging live experience.
Guitarist Kirk Hammett previously signaled a similarly positive attitude toward performing at the Sphere, describing the facility as “a great example of how venues are changing” and applauding its use of cutting-edge technology to elevate concert experiences.
The Las Vegas Sphere opened in late 2023 and quickly became one of the world’s most talked-about entertainment venues. The $2.3 billion arena boasts a massive 16K wraparound LED display and advanced audio systems designed for immersive sound experiences, along with special effects and spatial visuals that transform live shows into multimedia spectacles.
Since its opening, it has hosted a range of major residencies and performances — from U2’s Achtung Baby Live series to concerts by Dead & Company, Phish, The Eagles, Kenny Chesney, Backstreet Boys and Zac Brown Band. Each has leveraged the venue’s signature technology to deliver shows unlike typical arena productions.
A successful Metallica residency would build on that legacy while potentially setting a new benchmark for heavy music in an immersive setting.
Metallica’s rumored Sphere run is expected to follow the conclusion of their M72 World Tour, which is currently scheduled to wrap up its European leg in July 2026. Rumors suggest that a residency — possibly beginning in fall 2026 or into 2027 — could be the band’s next major live commitment once global touring winds down.
Such timing would allow Metallica to transition from stadium and arena shows to a stationary residency, offering fans a unique multimedia engagement with the band’s catalog in one of the world’s most technologically advanced venues.
Despite the high level of speculation and strong indications from multiple sources, neither Metallica nor Sphere representatives have confirmed the residency contract publicly. Statements from band members have leaned toward excitement and experimentation rather than definitive announcement, leaving open the possibility that plans could evolve before any official schedule is revealed.
For fans and industry onlookers, the idea of Metallica at the Sphere — with the venue’s immersive screens, audio systems and creative potential — represents perhaps the next evolution in how live rock performances can be staged in the 21st century.
