Lars Ulrich Fuels Rumors of Metallica’s Interest in Playing Vegas’ Sphere
A little more than a week after rumors were initially floated that Metallica could be considering playing the Las Vegas Sphere, drummer Lars Ulrich confirmed that the band’s at least thinking about it — they just gotta get through their current touring plans before any plans can come together.
Word of the band’s interest in playing the unique venue cropped up during Ulrich’s appearance on The Howard Stern Show (as transcribed by Blabbermouth) earlier today. Though he was there to announce the upcoming launch of Metallica’s new SiriusXM channel and the super intimate show on Long Island that corresponds with its launch, some of the conversation turned to the Las Vegas residency rumors. And while he wouldn’t confirm they’re already working on plans, Ulrich admitted that it’s been on their mind.
“I’m not going to confirm anything, because there’s nothing to confirm. But I’m not going to deny it, because we’re all such fans of this venue. All of our managers and our production people have been there and looked at it. It’s something that we’re considering, [but] nothing is etched in stone or green-lit. It’s something that we’re looking at at some point when the 2026 tour is done.”
Initially reported by Vital Vegas, rumors had been swirling that Metallica was interested in doing a residency at The Sphere for fall 2026. If they were to do so, they’d join the likes of U2, Phish, Dead & Company, and The Eagles.
Ulrich said he attended U2’s opening night at the Sphere back in 2023 and was “completely blown away” by the unique spectacle that the venue provides. For those that aren’t aware, the Las Vegas Sphere is a top-of-the-line live venue that stands 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, making it the world’s largest spherical structure. And while the exterior is wrapped in a ridiculously high fidelity LED display, the coolest part is what it’s got on the inside: a full 16K resolution wraparound screen and cutting edge audio tech designed to let fans become completely immersed in the performance.
“I would fucking love to do it, let there be no question about it. It’s not signed, sealed and delivered, but speaking to me and asking my opinion, I would fucking love to do it.”
It boggles the mind to imagine how the band would utilize The Sphere’s tech to enhance their live show. It’s also just as staggering to imagine how much a ticket to one of those shows would cost…
