METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich has spoken about the band's forthcoming residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, describing the prospect as both exciting and daunting. Speaking on U2 guitarist The Edge's SiriusXM show "Close To The Edge," Ulrich said the band had been preparing for the residency for around a year and a half, drawing inspiration from U2's pioneering shows at the venue in 2023. The remarks matter as they offer fans an early sense of how the band is approaching one of the most technically demanding staging challenges in modern live music.

METALLICA originally announced eight Sphere dates for October 2026, later expanding the run with additional shows in November, January, February and March. Ulrich admitted the scale of the production feels "overwhelming and intimidating," noting the band usually prefers environments it can fully control, unlike the immersive, technology-driven Sphere. He also reflected on his 45-year working relationship with bandmate James Hetfield, crediting their differing backgrounds and personalities for the group's chemistry. The Sphere, a 17,600-capacity venue near the Las Vegas Strip known for its 16K wraparound screen, has previously hosted residencies by U2, Phish, Dead & Company and the Eagles.