Next year, Metallica are returning to Europe for another leg of their massive M72 World Tour. The trek will feature very special guests Gojira, Pantera, Knocked Loose, and Avatar. Continuing their No Repeat Weekend format, Metallica will play two stadium shows in every city, hitting London, Cardiff, Dublin, Berlin, Bucharest, Athens, and more…..

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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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