Metallica, M72 World Tour Stadium Run Continues Into 2026

Metallica keep their massive M72 World Tour rolling, with U.S. and international stadium dates stretching into 2025 and 2026 and a rotating two-night set concept that keeps fans returning city after city.

By the AD HOC NEWS Music Desk » Album & Work - the editorial team covers albums, tours, charts and scene developments. Published: July 8, 2026 · Last reviewed: July 8, 2026 at 11:35 am

Metallica are keeping their global stadium campaign rolling. Per the official tour listings on the band’s site and primary ticketing partners, the M72 World Tour stretches across North America and Europe through 2025 and into 2026, built around a distinctive two-night format.

How the M72 tour is structured

The M72 World Tour promotes Metallica’s latest studio album 72 Seasons with a so-called no-repeat weekend concept. Each city generally gets two shows, with different setlists on each night so fans can experience separate eras of the band’s catalog.

In the U.S., the run has focused on large-scale venues such as MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with dates spread across 2023 and 2024. Ticketmaster listings show the same structure continuing as the tour moves back through North America later in the cycle.

Key North American and European dates

According to Live Nation and Ticketmaster, upcoming North American stops on the extended run include major arena and stadium dates in cities such as Chicago, Toronto and Los Angeles, all configured as two-night engagements with separate tickets. These shows follow earlier U.S. weekends in metros like Arlington and Inglewood.

Internationally, the M72 World Tour has booked stadiums and festivals across Europe and Latin America, including dates in Madrid, Munich and Mexico City, often with local support acts alongside Metallica’s own touring openers. The routing underscores the band’s continued status as a global headliner capable of selling out multi-night stands.

The sound and concept of 72 Seasons

72 Seasons, released in April 2023 on Blackened Recordings, leans into Metallica’s thrash roots while incorporating the broader melodic and mid-tempo elements that have defined the band since the 1990s. The record runs 77 minutes and was produced by Greg Fidelman alongside James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich.

Lyrically, the album revolves around the first 18 years of life, with songs exploring formative experiences and the weight of early influences. The title track, Lux Æterna and Too Far Gone? anchor a set that mixes fast, tightly constructed pieces with longer compositions closer in spirit to ...And Justice for All.

Where Metallica stand right now

Metallica are currently in the midst of the M72 World Tour, with the next publicly listed run of shows scheduled at large venues across North America and Europe from late 2025 into 2026, according to the band’s official tour page and primary ticketing partners.

Metallica at a glance

• Act: Metallica
• Genre: Heavy metal / hard rock
• Origin: Los Angeles, United States
• Active since: 1981
• Lineup: James Hetfield (vocals, guitar), Lars Ulrich (drums), Kirk Hammett (lead guitar), Robert Trujillo (bass)
• Label: Blackened Recordings
• Key works: Ride the Lightning (1984), Master of Puppets (1986), Metallica (1991), Death Magnetic (2008)
• Current album/single: 72 Seasons, released April 14, 2023
• Charts / certifications: 72 Seasons debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in April 2023 and the band’s 1991 self-titled album is certified 16x Platinum by the RIAA in the U.S.
• Next live date: Late 2025 stadium and arena shows across North America and Europe as part of the ongoing M72 World Tour, per Metallica’s official tour page and primary ticketing partners.

Frequently asked questions about Metallica

What is Metallica’s current tour?
Metallica are currently touring globally on the M72 World Tour, a stadium and arena run built around two-night, no-repeat weekends to support their latest album 72 Seasons, according to the band’s official tour information.

How did 72 Seasons perform on the Billboard 200?
72 Seasons debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 album chart in April 2023, extending Metallica’s run of top-10 records in the U.S. and confirming the band’s continued commercial strength.

Which Metallica album is the most certified in the U.S.?
Metallica’s 1991 self-titled album, often referred to as the Black Album, is certified 16x Platinum by the RIAA in the United States, making it one of the bestselling rock records of the SoundScan era.

This article was created with AI assistance and editorially reviewed. All information without guarantee; dates, chart positions and certifications may change at short notice.