Metallica’s Lars Ulrich Says Upcoming Las Vegas Sphere Residency Is Both “Overwhelming” and “F—ing Intimidating”
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Metallica’s residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas is scheduled to run from October 2026 through March 2027.
Lars Ulrich is embracing the challenge of Metallica’s highly anticipated residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Ahead of the legendary band’s 24-show run, scheduled from October 2026 through March 2027, the 62-year-old drummer reflected on the experience during an appearance on U2 guitarist The Edge’s SiriusXM program.
Ulrich revealed that Metallica has spent roughly 18 months preparing for the ambitious production. Looking back on attending U2’s opening performance at the cutting-edge venue, he said he was left amazed by what he witnessed.
“I was there opening night and was so just f—ing awestruck, inspired, energized — all of it,” Ulrich said. “It was just, like, ‘Holy s—, this is somehow another frontier.'”
While expressing gratitude for the opportunity to perform at the Sphere, he acknowledged that the venue’s massive 580,000-square-foot LED display presents an entirely different level of production compared to a traditional concert.
Ulrich admitted the scale of the residency is both thrilling and daunting.
“It’s going to be challenging, and obviously, I think like everybody else I’ve talked to about it, it’s overwhelming and f—ing intimidating,” he said. “But hopefully when we step out on stage that first night, we’ll have it somewhat together.”
The drummer also explained that Metallica rarely finds itself in situations where so much is unknown, noting that the band typically performs in environments they know well and can control. He added that stepping outside that comfort zone can be a valuable experience, even if it comes with uncertainty.
Metallica—featuring Ulrich alongside James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo—will join a growing list of major artists who have headlined the Sphere, including U2, Phish, No Doubt, the Eagles, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Backstreet Boys, Anyma, and others.