Metallica

Forty-five years, 100-plus million records and not one inch of slowing down. Metallica just finished a three-year world tour and walked straight into the Sphere in Las Vegas. On Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio, when the riffs get heavy, it’s usually them.

▶ Hear Metallica on Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio, live and free, 24/7

Metallica brings the thunder on the Power Rock n’ Roll Radio Show (9 am–6 pm ET).

What’s new with Metallica

• Life Burns Faster at Sphere. Metallica’s Las Vegas residency began October 1, 2026, with each weekend’s two shows featuring different set lists. It runs into March 2027.
• The M72 World Tour is done. It wrapped on July 5, 2026, at London Stadium after 99 shows over three years.
• Master of Puppets turned 40 in March 2026, and the band turns 45 on October 28, 2026.

Station picks: the Metallica songs to start with

Our five essentials:

1. Enter Sandman (1991). The riff that took metal to the masses.
2. Master of Puppets (1986). Eight-plus minutes of thrash perfection.
3. One (1988). From whisper to machine-gun double kick.
4. Nothing Else Matters (1991). James Hetfield’s love song that the whole world sings along to.
5. Fade to Black (1984). The first great Metallica ballad, and still one of the best.

Three deep cuts worth your time:

1. Orion (1986). Cliff Burton’s instrumental masterpiece.
2. The Call of Ktulu (1984). A brooding, Lovecraft-inspired instrumental epic.
3. Damage, Inc. (1986). The furious closer of Master of Puppets.

If you like Metallica, try

• Deep Purple: the heavy-rock blueprint
• Scorpions: European metal royalty
• AC/DC: stadium-sized riffs
• Led Zeppelin: where heavy rock started

Metallica on tour

Last verified October 12, 2026. Always confirm with the official site before buying tickets.

Also at Sphere: the Eagles residency. More legends on the road: Classic Rock Concerts & Tours 2026–2027.

Metallica quick facts

• Formed: October 28, 1981, Los Angeles
• Lineup: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo
• Signature albums: Ride the Lightning (1984), Master of Puppets (1986), …And Justice for All (1988), Metallica (1991), 72 Seasons (2023)
• Remembering: Bassist Cliff Burton, who died in 1986
• Honors: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 2009
• Official site: metallica.com

Metallica FAQ

How long is Metallica at Sphere?
The Life Burns Faster residency runs from October 1, 2026, to March 13, 2027, on Thursday and Saturday nights in select weeks.

Is Metallica making a new album?
No new album has been announced. Their latest is 72 Seasons (2023).

Where can I hear Metallica?
On Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio, free and live 24/7 on the web and in our iPhone and Android apps. Want a favorite? Request it here.

Sources: Ultimate Classic Rock, Radio X, Louder, Metallica. Last verified October 12, 2026.