🎸 Metallica Returns to Conquer the World: The Global Tour 2026 — Full Details, Dates, Cities, and What Fans Need to Know….
Metallica, the legendary heavy metal giants, are officially returning to take the global stage by storm in 2026 with a massive continued run of their acclaimed M72 World Tour, dubbed in fan circles and promotional buzz as “Metallica Returns to Conquer the World: The Global Tour 2026.” The trail-blazing trek builds on what has already become one of the most successful and longest-running rock tours of the decade, promising fans around the world a furious celebration of music, spectacle, and unforgettable live performance.
The M72 World Tour — named after Metallica’s 2023 album 72 Seasons — first began in April 2023 in Amsterdam, and has since covered multiple continents, playing to millions of fans worldwide. By the end of its run in mid-2026, the tour is set to cap an incredible four-year cycle of globe-spanning performances that have redefined modern rock touring.
🔥 Europe and the UK: The 2026 European Leg
In 2026, Metallica have announced an extended European and UK leg of the tour spanning May, June, and July with a combination of No Repeat Weekend two-night residencies and stand-alone stadium shows. The European itinerary kicks off in Athens, Greece — marking the band’s first performance in the city in over 16 years — before continuing through a packed itinerary of major cities across the continent.
The tour will stop in cities including:
Athens, Greece – Olympic Stadium (May 9)
Bucharest, Romania – Arena Națională (May 13)
Chorzów, Poland – Stadion Śląski (May 19)
Two-night No Repeat Weekend stops in Frankfurt, Germany
Zurich, Switzerland (May 27)
Berlin, Germany (May 30)
Bologna, Italy (June 3)
More No Repeat Weekend dates in Budapest, Hungary
Dublin, Ireland – Aviva Stadium two nights (June 19 & 21)
Single shows in Glasgow, Cardiff
Culminating in a epic London Stadium two-night finale on July 3 & 5.
This format reflects Metallica’s commitment to giving fans unique experiences — each night on the No Repeat Weekend stops features an entirely different setlist, ensuring no two shows are the same, and making each performance a once-in-a-lifetime event.
🎤 Support Acts and Special Guests
2026’s global tour isn’t just about Metallica themselves — the band has lined up an incredible roster of supporting artists to open their shows across Europe. Heavyweights of the modern metal scene like Gojira, Pantera, Knocked Loose, and Avatar are slated to join the tour on various dates, bringing even more power and diversity to each concert night.
Fans can expect blistering performances from these acts before Metallica explodes onto the stage with a marathon of hits spanning their four-decade career — from timeless classics like Enter Sandman and Master of Puppets to newer favorites from 72 Seasons.
🎟️ Tickets, Presales & Fan Experiences
Tickets for the 2026 European leg dropped in May 2025, with fan club presales giving dedicated Fifth Members early access before general public sales. Enhanced experiences — including VIP packages, meet & greets, exclusive lounges, and the coveted “I Disappear” multi-show pass — remain available for die-hard supporters seeking the ultimate Metallica experience.
Travel packages with hotel and transit options are also offered for most locations, making this global trek easier for international fans to follow.
🎁 Giving Back
As with previous legs of the M72 World Tour, a portion of ticket proceeds from every show goes to Metallica’s nonprofit foundation All Within My Hands, which has raised millions for education, hunger relief, and disaster response since its inception in 2017.
📅 Final Thoughts
With its blend of massive production, historic stadium stops, and a fan-driven concert experience unlike any other, Metallica’s Global Tour 2026 truly lives up to the headline “Returns to Conquer the World.” Whether you’re a lifetime fan or new to the metal revolution, this tour represents one of the biggest live music events of the year — and possibly the decade — as Metallica continues to redefine what it means to be a world-conquering rock band.