Metallica has expanded their M72 world tour into 2026, announcing a series of European dates for next spring and summer with support from some of metal’s heaviest hitters…

Metallica has expanded their M72 world tour into 2026, announcing a series of European dates for next spring and summer with support from some of metal’s heaviest hitters…

 

Metallica has announced the extension of their monumental M72 World Tour into 2026, with a fresh wave of European dates scheduled for the spring and summer seasons. This announcement is thrilling news for fans of heavy metal, as the legendary band continues to deliver its signature blend of ferocity and finesse across the globe. The newly added European leg will span several major cities and venues, cementing Metallica’s status as one of the most enduring and dynamic live acts in rock history.

The M72 tour, launched in support of the band’s 2023 album 72 Seasons, has already become one of Metallica’s most ambitious undertakings. Known for its innovative “No Repeat Weekend” format, the tour features two nights in each city with completely different setlists and opening acts, giving fans a chance to experience the breadth of Metallica’s catalog in a way that’s never been done before.

For the 2026 European dates, Metallica is bringing along a stacked lineup of special guests that includes some of the heaviest hitters in modern metal. Among the confirmed acts are Swedish metal titans Ghost, whose theatrical performances and melodic heaviness have earned them a global fanbase; the groove-metal veterans of Lamb of God, known for their explosive live energy; and German thrash pioneers Kreator. This powerhouse combination promises to elevate each stop into a full-day celebration of all things heavy.

The tour will kick off in April 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal, and is scheduled to hit major cities including Madrid, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, and London, among others. Venues include iconic stadiums and large-scale outdoor arenas, with many offering upgraded fan experiences such as Snake Pit access, enhanced audio zones, and VIP packages that allow a behind-the-scenes look at Metallica’s stage setup and operations.

James Hetfield, Metallica’s frontman, expressed excitement in a recent interview: “We’ve had an incredible run with the M72 tour so far, and the energy from the fans has been off the charts. Extending it into 2026 and getting to hit more cities in Europe with some of our favorite bands—there’s nothing better than that.”

The tour’s production values have been widely praised, with a circular stage design that places the band in the center of the stadium, offering a more immersive experience for fans. Coupled with an elaborate light show, pyrotechnics, and state-of-the-art sound engineering, each concert is both a visual and sonic spectacle.

Tickets for the new dates are set to go on sale beginning next week, with a pre-sale for fan club members starting 48 hours earlier. Given the popularity of the first legs of the M72 tour, demand is expected to be extremely high.

As Metallica heads into another decade of dominance, their unwavering commitment to innovation, musicianship, and fan connection continues to set the standard for what a modern metal tour can be. With this new expansion, the M72 World Tour is shaping up to be one of the most historic global tours in rock history.