Metallica Kicks Off Sphere Residency With Surprising Setlist Revivals

Heavy metal icons Metallica officially launched their highly anticipated Las Vegas Sphere residency, bringing their legendary live show to the tech-focused venue for a series of high-powered performances. Frontman James Hetfield and the band kicked off their new engagement by treating diehard fans to a surprise-filled setlist packed with deep cuts and jaw-dropping immersive visuals. The opening night featured a massive throwback moment when the group dusted off the title track from their landmark 1988 record ".And Justice For All." Concertgoers witnessed the heavy metal pioneers perform the complex track live for the first time in more than ten years. The rare song choice set an intense tone for the evening, proving that the residency would deliver more than just a routine greatest-hits run.

Watch

Clips tied to this story.

▶Watch on YouTube

▶Watch on YouTube

▶Watch on YouTube

▶Watch on YouTube

▶Watch on Instagram

▶Watch on Instagram

Surprises continued throughout the night as the band restructured their setlist from recent stadium runs. Metallica opened the gig with their aggressive thrash classic "Battery," marking the first time the track served as a show opener in a decade. They also treated the crowd to "Creeping Death" early in the evening before bringing back "Now That We're Dead," a song that had not been performed live since 2021. Other heavy hits made the cut during the premiere performance, including staples like "Sad but True" and deep cut "The Shortest Straw." The band paired their intricate guitar work with the venue's massive high-definition visual wrap, creating a customized experience tailored specifically to the arena's unique display technology.

BUZZBEAT

“ marking the first time the track served as a show opener in a decade. They also treated the crowd to ”

The new engagement comes during an extended period of continuous touring for the veteran metal outfit. The group has been traveling globally on their massive "M72" world tour in support of their latest studio effort, "72 Seasons." However, the high-tech Nevada venue provides the group with a home base for an extended concert run. Reports confirm that the residency will keep the heavy metal legends performing inside the venue through the rest of 2026 and extending into 2027. With shifting setlists promised across multiple nights, the residency gives long-time followers a fresh look at the group's four-decade music catalog.