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Lars Ulrich says Metallica’s upcoming Las Vegas Sphere residency feels “overwhelming and fucking intimidating”
Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich has admitted that the band's forthcoming residency at the Las Vegas Sphere feels "overwhelming and fucking intimidating", speaking candidly ahead of the shows in a radio interview with U2's The Edge. The residency, first announced in February and now extended into 2027, marks a significant departure for the band, who are stepping outside their usual comfort zone by embracing the Sphere's high-tech, immersive format rather than their typical controlled touring environment.
The shows, which begin on 1 October, will feature Sphere Immersive Sound and "multi-sensory 4D technology", promising what organisers describe as an entirely new Metallica experience. Ulrich revealed the band had spent over a year preparing for the gigs and said he hoped they would have things "somewhat together" by opening night, while also praising U2's own Sphere residency, which he called "another frontier" after attending its debut. Other acts including Phish, Dead & Company and the Eagles have previously held residencies at the venue, though bassist Robert Trujillo has noted no heavy rock band has attempted one before.
In short
- Ulrich calls Metallica's Sphere residency "overwhelming and intimidating"
- Vegas shows start 1 October, extended into 2027
- Band spent over a year preparing the immersive production
Explained simply
The Las Vegas Sphere is a high-tech entertainment venue in Nevada known for its immersive visual and audio systems that create multi-sensory experiences. A residency means a band performs multiple shows at the same venue over an extended period rather than touring to different cities.
Metallica is one of the world's most prominent heavy metal bands, but they have traditionally toured in conventional venues rather than residencies. The band's upcoming Sphere residency beginning in October marks the first time a heavy rock band has committed to an extended engagement at the venue.
The Sphere's technology and immersive format represent uncharted territory for Metallica, requiring the band to adapt their performance style to suit the venue's capabilities. After spending over a year in preparation, the experience has proven sufficiently daunting that the band's drummer has described the undertaking as both overwhelming and intimidating.