Metallica launches Las Vegas Sphere residency with sold-out opening night
The heavy-metal band performed the first of 24 shows at the new Sphere venue, drawing 17,000 fans and delivering a 16-song set that included a rarely played track.
Metallica opened its 24-date residency at the Las Vegas Sphere on Oct. 1, playing to a capacity crowd of about 17,000. The band delivered a 16-song set that featured the first live rendition of "...And Justice for All" in 12 years. The show was staged on the venue’s expansive 15,000-square-meter wraparound video screens, which received positive remarks from attendees on social media.
The band’s schedule follows a "no repeats" policy used on its recent M72 tour, meaning each concert will have a unique setlist. The second performance is slated for Oct. 3.
"The visuals are insane and the sound is incredible," one fan wrote on a popular platform.
"Seeing the band play a song they haven’t performed live in over a decade was a real treat," another attendee commented.
Organizers confirmed that all 24 shows have been sold out, underscoring strong demand for the residency.