Metallica announce ‘M72’ 2026 UK and European tour

Metallica have announced new UK and European dates for their ongoing ‘M72’ tour for 2026. Find all the details below.

• READ MORE: Metallica live in Amsterdam: still the greatest heavy metal band around

The metal icons’ lengthy trek will continue into a fourth year, having begun the record-breaking run of shows in 2023. These came in support of the band’s 11th and latest studio album, ’72 Seasons’.

Next May, Metallica are due to hit the road for a string of huge stadium gigs in Athens, Bucharest, Chorzów, Frankfurt, Zurich, Berlin, Bologna and Budapest.

Then, in June, they’ll return to the UK and Ireland for performances in Dublin, Glasgow and Cardiff, before playing two nights at the London Stadium on July 3 and 5.

It’ll mark the group’s first shows in Frankfurt and Dublin since 2009’s World Magnetic Tour.

Metallica will continue their ‘No Repeat Weekends’ tradition for next year’s ‘M72’ tour, with each night of the two-concert stands featuring entirely different setlists and support line-ups.

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The single-date shows, meanwhile, are set to bring the tour’s full production and massive in-the-round stage to fans.

Opening sets on the 2026 UK and European ‘M72’ tour will come from Gojira, Pantera, Knocked Loose and Avatar.

Two-night tickets for the ‘No Repeat Weekends’ and single-night tickets go on general sale at 10am BST next Friday (May 30). You’ll be able to buy yours here (UK and Ireland) and here (Europe).

The fanclub pre-sales will begin at 11am next Tuesday (May 27) – visit here for more information. A portion of proceeds from every ticket sold will go to local charities via the band’s All Within My Hands foundation.

Metallica’s 2026 UK and European ‘M72’ tour dates are:

MAY
09 – Athens, Olympic Stadium, Greece*
13 – Bucharest, Arena Națională, Romania*
19 – Chorzów, Stadion Śląski, Poland*
22 – Frankfurt, Deutsche Bank Park, Germany*
24 – Frankfurt, Deutsche Bank Park, Germany+
27 – Zurich, Stadion Letzigrund, Switzerland*
30 – Berlin,  Olympiastadion, Germany*

JUNE
03 – Bologna, Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Italy*
11 – Budapest, Puskas Arena, Hungary+
13 – Budapest, Puskas Arena, Hungary*
19 – Dublin, Aviva Stadium, Ireland+
21 – Dublin, Aviva Stadium, Ireland*
25 – Glasgow, Hampden Park, Scotland* 
28 – Cardiff, Principality Stadium, Wales* 

JULY 
03 – London, London Stadium, UK*
05 – London, London Stadium, UK+ 

* Gojira and Knocked Loose support
+ Pantera and Avatar support

In a four-star review of Metallica’s ‘M72’ tour opener in Amsterdam, NME wrote: “Metallica have always been a gateway band for heavy music, but there’s a renewed excitement around them now. Tonight’s surprising, ambitious and giddy gig matches that energy at every turn.

“[…] From the gorgeous ‘Nothing Else Matters’ through to the unifying ‘Seek & Destroy’, the majesty of heavy music is on full display throughout the gig as Metallica prove why they’re clearly still the greatest metal band around.”

Metallica are currently out on the 2025 North American leg of their ‘M72’ tour, which kicked off last month. In March, they announced an “immersive” new VR concert film, shot in Mexico City.

The post Metallica announce ‘M72’ 2026 UK and European tour appeared first on NME.