NME News: Metallica ARE BACK — 2026 Spring Tour Confirmed, Their Boldest Since A.M.! Dates and Cities Revealed…
Metallica have officially announced their long-awaited 2026 Spring Tour, sending shockwaves through the rock and metal world and confirming what fans have been hoping for: the band are entering a new, fearless chapter. Billed by insiders as their boldest live era since the A.M. period, the tour promises a high-concept production, refreshed setlists, and a renewed creative edge from one of the most influential bands of all time.
The tour kicks off in March 2026 and spans North America and Europe, blending stadium spectacles with select arena shows designed for a more intense, immersive experience. According to the band, this run is about “redefining the Metallica live show,” combining their classic sonic brutality with modern visuals, reworked arrangements, and deep cuts rarely heard on previous tours.
In a statement released alongside the announcement, James Hetfield said:
“We didn’t want to just roll out the same thing again. This tour is about risk, energy, and reminding ourselves—and everyone else—why Metallica live is still unmatched.”
Lars Ulrich echoed the sentiment, describing the tour as “a creative reset onstage,” teasing unexpected transitions, extended instrumental sections, and moments where the band will strip things back to raw essentials before detonating into full-scale metal mayhem.
🔥 Confirmed 2026 Spring Tour Dates (Initial Leg)
March 7 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
March 10 – Phoenix, AZ – State Farm Stadium
March 14 – Dallas, TX – AT&T Stadium
March 18 – Chicago, IL – United Center
March 22 – New York, NY – MetLife Stadium
March 27 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
April 2 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre
April 6 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
April 12 – London, UK – Wembley Stadium
April 16 – Paris, FR – Accor Arena
April 20 – Berlin, DE – Olympiastadion
April 25 – Amsterdam, NL – Johan Cruyff Arena
More dates are expected to be announced, including additional European cities and a possible late-spring extension.
A Tour With Something to Prove
While Metallica’s legacy is already cemented, this tour isn’t about nostalgia alone. Sources close to the production hint at new material debuting live, alongside radical reinterpretations of fan favorites. The stage design is said to be modular and kinetic, allowing the band to move through the crowd and change perspectives throughout the night.
Early industry buzz suggests this could become one of 2026’s biggest rock tours, both commercially and creatively. For fans, it’s a clear message: Metallica aren’t slowing down—they’re evolving.
Tickets go on sale soon, and demand is expected to be massive. One thing is certain: Metallica are back—and they’re playing like they’ve got everything to prove. 🤘🔥