In an electrifying announcement that has sent shockwaves through the rock community, legendary bands METALLICA and AC/DC have officially confirmed a groundbreaking co-headlining tour set to take place in 2026. This historic collaboration marks a rare union of two titans of hard rock and heavy metal, promising fans an unparalleled experience filled with iconic hits, explosive performances, and unforgettable moments.
### The Announcement and Tour Details
After months of speculation and cryptic hints on social media, both bands revealed the news through a joint statement that emphasized their mutual respect and excitement for the upcoming tour. The tour, dubbed “Rock Legends United 2026,” will span over three months, covering North America, Europe, and select Asian markets.
The tour kicks off in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026, at the iconic SoFi Stadium, before moving through major cities across the United States and Canada. Following the North American leg, the bands will head to Europe, performing in major venues such as London’s Wembley Stadium, Paris’s Accor Arena, and Berlin’s Olympiastadion. The tour will conclude with a handful of dates in Japan and South Korea, bringing the legendary bands to Asian audiences for the first time in years.
**Tour Dates and Cities (Subject to Final Confirmation):**
– *North America:*
– March 15 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
– March 20 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
– March 25 – New York, NY – MetLife Stadium
– March 30 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre
– April 5 – Dallas, TX – AT&T Stadium
– *Europe:*
– June 10 – London, UK – Wembley Stadium
– June 15 – Paris, France – Accor Arena
– June 20 – Berlin, Germany – Olympiastadion
– June 25 – Madrid, Spain – Wanda Metropolitano
– *Asia:*
– August 10 – Tokyo, Japan – Tokyo Dome
– August 15 – Seoul, South Korea – Seoul World Cup Stadium
### Setlist Teasers and Musical Highlights
Both bands are known for their legendary catalogues, and fans can expect a setlist that spans decades of hit songs, deep cuts, and surprises.
**METALLICA’s anticipated setlist highlights include:**
– “Master of Puppets”
– “Enter Sandman”
– “One”
– “Nothing Else Matters”
– “Seek & Destroy”
– “The Four Horsemen”
– “Sandman” (Encore)
**AC/DC’s expected setlist includes:**
– “Back in Black”
– “Highway to Hell”
– “You Shook Me All Night Long”
– “Thunderstruck”
– “Hells Bells”
– “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”
– “Breach of the Peace” (Deep cut tease for longtime fans)
Both bands are expected to incorporate a mix of their classic anthems and newer material, with special guest appearances and unique mashups. The setlists will likely feature visual pyrotechnics, elaborate stage productions, and signature crowd singalongs.
### Behind the Scenes and Collaboration Dynamics
Sources close to the tour confirm that the bands have been in talks for several years, motivated by mutual admiration and a desire to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Metallica’s frontman James Hetfield expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Sharing the stage with AC/DC is a bucket-list moment for us. Their energy and songwriting have been a huge influence on Metallica’s sound.”
AC/DC’s guitarist Angus Young commented, “It’s an honor to share the bill with Metallica. We’re looking forward to bringing our music to new and old fans alike, and creating some unforgettable nights together.”
Both bands have indicated that the production will be top-tier, with state-of-the-art lighting, stage design, and special effects to enhance the live experience. Given the size and scope, the tour is expected to break attendance records and set new standards for rock concerts in 2026.
### Fan Reactions and Expectations
The announcement has ignited a frenzy among fans worldwide. Social media platforms are abuzz with excitement, with many calling it a “dream tour” and “the ultimate rock event of the decade.” Longtime fans are eager to see setlist surprises, while newer generations are excited to witness two of the most influential bands in rock history.
Critics anticipate that this tour will not only be a commercial success but also a historic milestone, uniting diverse generations of rock fans. The collaboration also hints at possible future joint projects or recordings, raising hopes of a future studio collaboration.
### Ticket Information and Pre-Sale Details
Tickets for the “Rock Legends United 2026” tour will go on sale starting January 10, 2024, with pre-sales available to fan club members and credit card holders from January 8. Due to high demand, fans are advised to register early on official websites.
VIP packages, which include backstage passes, meet-and-greet opportunities, and exclusive merchandise, will also be available. Given the scale of the tour, organizers expect ticketing to sell out rapidly.
### Conclusion
The 2026 co-headlining tour by METALLICA and AC/DC promises to be a landmark event in rock history. Combining the raw power of Metallica’s thrash metal mastery with AC/DC’s electrifying classic rock anthems, this tour is set to deliver a series of unforgettable nights across the globe. Fans worldwide are eagerly counting down the days until they can witness this extraordinary collision of musical legends, marking a new chapter in rock’s enduring legacy.
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