Metallica M72 World Tour Returns to Europe in 2026: All You Need to Know

Metallica M72 World Tour Returns to Europe in 2026: All You Need to Know

The legendary titans of thrash metal, Metallica, are bringing their seismic M72 World Tour back to Europe in 2026. Known for pushing the boundaries of live performance, this leg of the tour is more than just a series of concerts—it’s a full-blown, high-octane spectacle. Featuring unique setlists, immersive stage design, and an array of powerful supporting acts like Gojira, Knocked Loose, Pantera, and Avatar, Metallica’s European fans are in for an unforgettable experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything fans need to know about the M72 World Tour Returns to Europe 2026: from tour dates and cities, to the innovative stage format, supporting acts, and how to prepare for what promises to be one of the biggest rock tours of the decade.

What is the M72 World Tour?

The M72 World Tour is Metallica’s ambitious, globe-spanning concert series in support of their eleventh studio album, 72 Seasons. Initially launched in 2023, the tour has continued into 2025 and now into Europe in 2026, reaffirming Metallica’s reputation as one of the most enduring and electrifying bands in rock history.

The tour is known for its revolutionary “No Repeat Weekend” format and “In The Round” stage design. Each city gets either a single blowout show or two nights with completely different setlists and unique openers, making every concert an exclusive experience.

Metallica M72 European Tour Dates 2026

The tour features two types of stops:

• One Night Only shows
• No Repeat Weekend shows (two nights, no repeated songs or setlists)

Here’s a breakdown of the European dates and cities:

One Night Only

With Gojira & Knocked Loose as opening acts

• 09 May 2026 – Athens, Greece
• 13 May 2026 – Bucharest, Romania
• 19 May 2026 – Chorzów, Poland
• 27 May 2026 – Zürich, Switzerland
• 30 May 2026 – Berlin, Germany
• 03 June 2026 – Bologna, Italy
• 25 June 2026 – Glasgow, Scotland
• 28 June 2026 – Cardiff, Wales

No Repeat Weekend

Featuring a rotating lineup: Gojira & Knocked Loose / Pantera & Avatar

• 22 & 24 May 2026 – Frankfurt, Germany
• 11 & 13 June 2026 – Budapest, Hungary
• 19 & 21 June 2026 – Dublin, Ireland
• 03 & 05 July 2026 – London, England

Each No Repeat Weekend offers two different setlists, different opening acts, and even unique merchandise exclusive to each night.

Opening Acts: Who’s Sharing the Stage with Metallica?

Metallica has always been known for curating killer lineups, and the 2026 M72 tour is no exception.

Gojira

Hailing from France, Gojira’s technical metal mastery and environmentally conscious lyrics make them a fan favorite. Their thunderous soundscapes are the perfect prelude to Metallica’s explosive performances.

Knocked Loose

With their brutal mix of hardcore and metalcore, Knocked Loose brings raw energy and unrelenting intensity. They are quickly becoming a dominant force in modern heavy music.

Pantera (Reformed Lineup)

Featuring surviving members and guest musicians honoring the Abbott brothers’ legacy, Pantera’s involvement adds an element of history and emotion to the tour. Their inclusion is a major draw for longtime metalheads.

Avatar

The Swedish theatrical metallers deliver a mix of groove metal and melodic death metal, with a circus-meets-metal performance style that’s both bizarre and brilliant.

The “In The Round” Experience

One of the defining features of the M72 tour is its “In The Round” stage setup. Metallica performs from a circular stage in the center of the stadium, surrounded by fans on all sides. This 360-degree design not only maximizes visibility but also brings the band closer to their audience—no matter where you’re seated.

This setup allows for a completely immersive visual experience, with pyro, LED screens, and sound surrounding the audience. It also enhances the communal feeling of the show, making it feel like you’re truly part of something monumental.

The No Repeat Weekend Format Explained

The No Repeat Weekend concept is a game-changer. For fans attending both nights, this means:

• 100 percent different setlists each night
• Two unique concert experiences
• Rotating openers (e.g., Gojira & Knocked Loose one night, Pantera & Avatar the next)

No Repeat Weekends aren’t just concerts—they’re full-on mini festivals dedicated to the Metallica experience. Expect deep cuts, fan favorites, and surprises that won’t happen anywhere else on tour.

The 72 Seasons Era: What Fans Can Expect

With 72 Seasons, Metallica has delivered one of their most introspective and musically diverse records to date. Tracks like “Lux Æterna,” “Screaming Suicide,” and the sprawling title track have quickly become staples in their live set.

Fans can expect a mix of:

• Classics like “Master of Puppets,” “One,” “Enter Sandman,” and “Seek & Destroy”
• Deep cuts from across their career
• Several new songs from 72 Seasons, showcasing the band’s current creative peak

Ticket Information & VIP Packages

Metallica offers several ticketing options, including:

• Standard Admission
• Snake Pit Access (right up close in the center stage area)
• VIP Experiences (includes early access, exclusive merch, photo ops, and more)

Fans are encouraged to buy tickets early due to high demand, especially in cities hosting No Repeat Weekends.

For all ticketing info, head to: www.metallica.com

Exclusive Merch and Collectibles

Each city and date on the tour will feature exclusive merchandise, including:

• Limited edition posters
• Tour-specific t-shirts and hoodies
• Vinyl and CD pressings of 72 Seasons
• Collectible memorabilia only available at the show

Metallica also offers digital tour mementos and NFTs for those who want to own a unique piece of the tour experience.

Travel Tips for European Fans

With shows taking place across 13 European cities, fans may consider traveling to multiple stops. Here are a few travel hacks:

• Use budget airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet) for fast inter-city travel
• Book accommodations early—especially near stadiums
• Consider rail passes for convenient overland travel between shows
• Join Metallica fan forums to find others attending the same shows for travel and hotel sharing tips

Why the M72 Tour is Unmissable

The M72 World Tour is more than a tour—it’s a celebration of four decades of metal dominance. Metallica continues to evolve while remaining true to their core. With stunning visuals, genre-defining music, and a format that reinvents the live experience, this tour will go down as one of the most important moments in the band’s history.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the Metallica legacy, this is your chance to witness the raw power, emotion, and showmanship that only Metallica can deliver.

Final Thoughts: Prepare for Metal Mayhem

Metallica’s 2026 return to Europe with the M72 World Tour is set to ignite stadiums across the continent. Whether you attend a One Night Only performance or go all in for a No Repeat Weekend, you’re guaranteed a concert experience unlike any other.

With support from some of the heaviest names in the genre and an immersive stage experience, Metallica continues to prove why they’re not just part of metal history—they are the authors of it.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this monumental tour. Get your tickets, learn the lyrics, and get ready to scream your heart out as Metallica tears through Europe in 2026.

Stay connected:

• Official site: metallica.com
• Follow @Metallica on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for tour updates
• Stream 72 Seasons on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube

Keywords for SEO:
Metallica 2026 European Tour, M72 World Tour Europe, Metallica live 2026, Metallica tour dates, Metallica No Repeat Weekend, Gojira tour 2026, Knocked Loose Metallica, Pantera Metallica support, Avatar Metallica tour, Metallica 72 Seasons tour, Metallica in the round stage, Metallica concert tickets Europe 2026