Metallica London 2025, Full Tour Dates, Venue Information, and Ticket Details

Quick Answer

Metallica will perform two shows at London Stadium on July 3 and July 5, 2026, as part of their ongoing M72 World Tour supporting the album "72 Seasons." Tickets for these concerts are currently available through official outlets such as Ticketmaster and Live Nation. The July 3 show coincides with today's date, making it a live event happening this evening, while the July 5 concert is a second date for fans who missed out or want to catch another performance.

Key Facts

• Metallica's London Stadium concerts are scheduled for July 3 and July 5, 2026, with the first show occurring today.
• The tour supports their 2023 album "72 Seasons" and marks the fourth year of the M72 World Tour, which began in 2023.
• Supporting acts for the tour have included Architects, Mammoth WVH, Floor Jansen, Ice Nine Kills, Epica, Five Finger Death Punch, and Volbeat, though specific support for the London dates may vary.
• Ticket availability is confirmed through Ticketmaster UK, Live Nation, and the official Metallica website.
• The band also has a UK date at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on June 28, 2026, prior to the London shows.
• A previous attendance record set by Metallica at London's O2 Arena was broken by Radiohead in November 2025, though this is a separate venue from the current London Stadium shows.

The M72 World Tour Why London Stadium in 2026

How This Tour Extension Came About

Metallica's M72 World Tour has been a sprawling, multi-year undertaking that began in 2023. The band confirmed in May 2025 that the tour would extend into its fourth year with 16 additional shows across Europe and the UK.

The London Stadium dates on July 3 and 5, 2026, are part of this extension, bringing the band back to the capital after previous stops elsewhere in the UK during the tour's earlier legs. The choice of London Stadium—the former Olympic Stadium now used primarily for West Ham United FC and major concerts—reflects a shift from the O2 Arena, where Metallica previously held attendance records.

The move to a larger outdoor venue allows for a bigger production scale, which is characteristic of the M72 tour's stadium-focused design.

Why London Stadium Instead of Other Venues

London Stadium offers a capacity of approximately 60,000 for concerts, significantly larger than the O2 Arena's 20,000-seat capacity. This change suggests high demand for Metallica's live shows in London, particularly given that the band has not performed in the city since their 2023 tour dates.

The venue's open-air layout also fits the M72 World Tour's staging concept, which features a massive in-the-round setup with a central stage and 360-degree seating. This design allows fans to experience the show from any angle, a feature that works well in a stadium environment.

The July timing also avoids the unpredictable winter weather that affects other UK stadium shows, though rain remains a possibility for outdoor concerts in London.

The Album at the Heart of the Tour

The M72 World Tour is built around "72 Seasons," Metallica's 11th studio album released in April 2023. The album's title refers to the first 72 seasons of a person's life—roughly 18 years—and explores themes of growth, loss, and identity.

Songs like "Lux Æterna" and "Screaming Suicide" have become staples of the tour's setlists, blending with classic tracks from the band's four-decade catalog. The London shows will likely feature a mix of new material and fan favorites, as evidenced by the predicted setlist for the July 3 concert, which includes "Whiplash," "For Whom the Bell Tolls," "Ride the Lightning," "Until It Sleeps," "Lux Æterna," "Screaming Suicide," "Fade to Black," and "Wherever I May Roam." This combination ensures that both longtime fans and newer listeners have something to enjoy.

Ticket Availability and Pricing Realities

Where to Find Tickets

Tickets for both London Stadium shows are available through multiple official channels. Ticketmaster UK lists the July 3 and July 5 concerts on their platform, with the July 3 show starting at 7:00 PM local time.

Live Nation also provides listings for the same dates. The official Metallica website directs fans to these authorized sellers, which is crucial for avoiding scalpers or counterfeit tickets.

Given that the July 3 concert is happening today, last-minute buyers should check these sources for any remaining inventory. For the July 5 show, there may be more availability, but demand is likely high given the band's popularity and the limited number of UK dates on this tour extension.

Pricing and What to Expect

Ticket prices for Metallica concerts vary based on seating location, with floor standing tickets typically being the most expensive due to proximity to the stage. Seated sections in the lower tiers offer good views, while upper tiers provide a wider perspective of the stage setup.

Prices are set by the venue and promoter, not by this article, so checking official sources is the only reliable way to confirm current costs. Additional fees for booking, delivery, and facility charges are standard with online purchases.

The London Stadium website notes that the venue offers accessible seating and facilities, so fans with mobility needs should contact the venue directly or look for accessible ticket options on the ticketing platforms.

The Risk of Secondary Markets

For sold-out shows, fans may turn to secondary ticket markets like StubHub or Viagogo. However, these platforms carry risks: prices are often inflated, and ticket authenticity is not always guaranteed.

The safest approach is to use official resale options provided by Ticketmaster or Live Nation, which verify tickets and prevent overcharging. If you are considering a secondary purchase, verify that the ticket is mobile-only (as most modern events require) and that the seller has a positive history.

The London Stadium also has strict entry policies, so counterfeit tickets could result in being turned away at the gate.

What to Expect at the London Stadium Shows

The Concert Experience

Metallica's M72 World Tour shows are known for their marathon length, typically running 2 to 2.5 hours with a setlist of 16 to 18 songs. The production includes a massive lighting rig, pyrotechnics, and a video screen setup that wraps around the stage.

The in-the-round configuration means that every section of the stadium has a view of the band, though floor seats offer the closest proximity. The band rotates through different sections of the stage during the show, ensuring that all fans get moments of direct engagement.

For the July 3 show, doors open at 5:00 PM or earlier (verify with your ticket), and the supporting act will perform before Metallica takes the stage around 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Setlist Predictions and Surprises

Based on the setlist data for the July 3 show, fans can expect a mix of deep cuts and hits. The predicted setlist includes "Whiplash" from 1983's "Kill 'Em All," "For Whom the Bell Tolls" from 1984's "Ride the Lightning," and "Ride the Lightning" itself.

Newer tracks like "Lux Æterna" and "Screaming Suicide" from "72 Seasons" are likely to appear, alongside classics like "Fade to Black" and "Wherever I May Roam." Metallica often changes their setlists slightly between shows, so the July 5 concert may feature different songs or a rearranged order. The band also occasionally includes covers, such as their AC/DC cover "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)," which has appeared on tour in the past.

Venue Logistics and Tips

London Stadium is located in Stratford, East London, with excellent public transport links via Stratford station (Jubilee and Central lines, plus DLR and Overground services). Driving is not recommended due to limited parking and congestion charges.

Arrive early to allow time for security checks, which include bag searches and metal detectors. The venue prohibits large bags (over A4 size), professional cameras, and outside food or drink.

Weather in July can be unpredictable, so bring a rain jacket if needed, but umbrellas are often banned due to sightline obstruction. Food and drink are available inside, but prices are high, so eating beforehand is advisable.

The Bigger Picture Metallica's Legacy and Future in London

A History of Record-Breaking Shows

Metallica has a long history with London venues. Prior to the London Stadium shows, the band held the attendance record at the O2 Arena for their 2023 concerts, which drew over 20,000 fans per night.

That record was broken by Radiohead in November 2025, but the shift to London Stadium suggests Metallica is aiming for even larger crowds. The band's ability to fill a 60,000-capacity venue twice in four days demonstrates their enduring popularity in the UK, a market they have toured regularly since the 1980s.

The M72 World Tour has also included stops at other UK stadiums like Cardiff's Principality Stadium (June 28, 2026) and Glasgow's Hampden Park, indicating a comprehensive national tour.

What This Tour Means for Fans

For fans attending the London shows, this is a chance to see Metallica in a rare stadium setting—the band does not always play such large venues in the UK, often opting for arenas or festivals. The M72 tour's extended run is also a sign that the band is making the most of their active years before any potential hiatus or retirement.

At an average age of 60 (James Hetfield is 62, Lars Ulrich is 62, Kirk Hammett is 63, and Robert Trujillo is 61), the band is still performing with high energy, but their touring schedule has slowed compared to earlier decades. The 2026 dates may be among the last opportunities to see them in a major UK stadium setting.

Future Tour Plans Beyond 2026

The M72 World Tour is scheduled to continue through 2026, with European dates in Frankfurt, Zurich, and other cities. A 2027 leg has not been confirmed, but given the tour's multi-year pattern, it is plausible that additional dates will be added.

The band has not announced a new album, so future tours may focus on "72 Seasons" material alongside their back catalog. For London fans, the 2026 shows are the only confirmed UK dates for now, making them a priority for anyone who missed earlier tour legs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tickets still available for the July 3, 2026, London Stadium show?

As of today, July 3, 2026, tickets may still be available through official outlets like Ticketmaster UK and Live Nation. Given that the concert is today, last-minute buyers should check these sites for any remaining inventory.

Secondary markets may also have listings, but prices will likely be higher and authenticity is not guaranteed.

What is the setlist for the July 3 London Stadium concert?

Based on predictions from setlist data, the July 3 show is expected to include "Whiplash," "For Whom the Bell Tolls," "Ride the Lightning," "Until It Sleeps," "Lux Æterna," "Screaming Suicide," "Fade to Black," and "Wherever I May Roam." The actual setlist will be confirmed after the show.

Who are the supporting acts for the London shows?

Supporting acts for the M72 World Tour have included Architects, Mammoth WVH, Floor Jansen, Ice Nine Kills, Epica, Five Finger Death Punch, and Volbeat. Specific support for the London dates has not been confirmed in the reference material, so check your ticket or the venue website for details.

How do I get to London Stadium?

London Stadium is in Stratford, East London. The nearest train station is Stratford, served by the Jubilee and Central lines on the Tube, as well as DLR, Overground, and National Rail services.

Driving is not recommended due to limited parking and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges.

Can I bring a bag to the concert?

London Stadium allows small bags (up to A4 size) but prohibits larger bags, professional cameras, and outside food or drink. All bags are subject to security searches.

Check the venue's website for updated policies before attending.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources including Ticketmaster UK, Live Nation, London Stadium's official website, setlist.fm, and Wikipedia. Some details, such as exact setlists, support acts for specific dates, and ticket availability, may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting on any information.