Next year, Metallica are returning to Europe for another massive stadium run of the M72 World Tour, and it promises to be one of the most ambitious heavy-metal events of the year. The trek has been officially announced for spring/summer 2026, with support coming from a stacked lineup: Gojira, Pantera, Knocked Loose and Avatar.
What makes it especially compelling is that Metallica are once again employing their “No Repeat Weekends” format: in certain cities they’ll play two nights, each night with a completely different set list (no song repeated across the two nights), and varying support acts. And in other cities they’ll play a “One Night Only” show.
Here are some of the key details:
Format & production
The big-production stadium in-the-round setup (Metallica’s signature for the M72 run) returns: a midfield stage with a “Snake Pit” in the center offering a 360° fan view of the show. The “No Repeat Weekend” structure means if you attend both nights in one of the selected cities, you’re guaranteed two totally different experiences — different setlists, different support lineups. As Metallica stated: “you won’t hear the same song twice.”
Support acts & lineup highlights
- Gojira: The French-metal powerhouse rejoin Metallica’s touring circle, having been a “World Magnetic” and “WorldWired” support partner in past years.
- Knocked Loose: A hardcore outfit from the U.S., relatively new to this level of stadium touring, but part of the support roster.
- Pantera: Long-time metal icons, returning for this leg of M72 as support again.
- Avatar: The Swedish metal band are onboard for select dates, adding variety to the opening acts.
Cities & dates (selected, not full list)
For example:
- May 9 – Athens, Greece (Olympic Stadium) with Gojira & Knocked Loose
- May 13 – Bucharest, Romania (Arena Naţională)
- May 22/24 – Frankfurt, Germany – two nights (one with Gojira/Knocked Loose, one with Pantera/Avatar)
- June 19/21 – Dublin, Ireland (Aviva Stadium) – two nights — one support set, then the alternate support set.
- July 3/5 – London, England (London Stadium) – two-night “No Repeat Weekend” format.
Plus other “One Night Only” stops in cities such as Chorzów (Poland), Cardiff (Wales), Berlin (Germany), Zurich (Switzerland).
Why this matters / what to watch
- Deep catalogue exploration: Metallica playing two completely different setlists in the same city means serious deep-cuts, fan-favourites, surprises. For a band with 40+ years of output, that’s a big draw.
- Diverse support bill: The blend of Gojira’s progressive/technical heaviness, Knocked Loose’s hardcore intensity, Pantera’s groove-metal legacy, and Avatar’s theatrical metal brings distinct flavours to each night. For metalheads, that’s rare.
- Stadium scale, yet immersive: The in-the-round stage graphic design means you’re not just seeing the show from the side; you’re immersed in the action. The Snake Pit at centre means front-row may feel completely different.
- Return to long-missed cities: Some of these European stops are long overdue for Metallica (e.g., Cardiff for the first time since 1996, Athens since 2010) which ups the significance.
- Fan experience & extras: Beyond the show itself, Metallica are offering “Enhanced Experiences” (meet & greets, stage tours, early entry, Black Box Lounge food & beverage access) and the “I Disappear” full-tour pass for hardcore fans.
What to plan / tips for going
- If you can attend both nights in a “No Repeat Weekend” city, you’ll get maximum value: two sets, different songs, different openers.
- Pick which support lineup you most want to see (e.g., Gojira/Knocked Loose vs Pantera/Avatar) – many cities alternate nights with different guests.
- Keep an eye on ticket presales: Fan club presales begin Tuesday, 27 May; general on-sale Friday, 30 May (local time) as announced.
- Look into travel packages or enhanced experiences if you want to go all-in (especially if you’re coming from outside the country).
- Given the stadium setting and production scale, arrive early to catch the full show (warm-up acts, lighting, pit access).
- For hardcore collectors/fans: the “I Disappear” pass for full-tour attendance could be worth considering.
In short: the 2026 European leg of Metallica’s M72 World Tour is shaping up to be huge. With a powerhouse support roster, the “No Repeat Weekend” format, and some major cities on the map, this is not just another run — it’s a statement. Whether you’re a longtime Metallica fan, a die-hard metalhead who follows the sub-genres, or someone looking to experience a monumental live show, this one ticks a lot of boxes.
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