Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich says he was inspired by U2's opening night at the Sphere, as his own band prepares for a 24-night residency at the venue.
Key facts
- •Lars Ulrich attended the opening night of U2's residency at the Sphere.
- •Metallica's "Life Burns Faster" residency will consist of 24 nights.
- •The residency is scheduled to run from October 2026 through March 2027.
- •The Sphere features 16K wraparound screens and a specialized sound system.
- •Other artists who have performed at the Sphere include Phish, the Eagles, and Dead & Company.
Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich recently shared his experience attending the opening night of U2’s residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Ulrich described the event as an "awestruck" moment that expanded his perspective on live performance possibilities. Metallica is now preparing to launch their own residency at the venue this fall.
By the numbers
Metallica’s Upcoming Residency
Metallica’s residency, titled "Life Burns Faster," is scheduled to run from October 2026 through March 2027. The performances will take place weekly in two-date increments. While the residency was initially planned for eight dates, it was expanded to 24 nights due to high fan demand.
Ulrich’s Perspective on the Venue
Ulrich acknowledged that performing at the Sphere is "intimidating" and presents a challenge for the band. He noted that Metallica typically prefers environments they can fully control, making the Sphere a departure from their usual setup. The venue is known for its 16K wraparound screens and advanced sound system.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Rolling Stone.
