Published on: March 2, 2026, 04:32h.
Updated on: March 2, 2026, 04:32h.
In an anticipated move, Metallica, the most acclaimed heavy metal band ever, has announced an extension of their Sphere residency by adding six more dates due to “overwhelming demand,” as shared in a post on Instagram.
“Incredible news, everyone!” read the post.
No exact dates for the new shows have been specified; ticket details will be announced during the presale starting at 10 a.m. PT on Wednesday, March 4.
How could the band encounter such “overwhelming demand” when the majority of tickets for their initial performances (set for Oct. 1, 3, 15, 17, 22, 24, and Oct. 29, 31) don’t go on sale until Friday, March 6?
It’s likely due to reports of Ticketmaster’s fan club presales, which commenced today, seeing electronic queues up to 300,000 people deep.
While the Sphere officially cites staggered ticket sales to manage technical capacity and reduce scalping, many industry experts believe this approach also safeguards the venue against potential underwhelming ticket sales while addressing concerns from smaller artists who may wonder why Metallica could list 50 shows when they were limited to just five.
No artist would sensibly agree to only a few shows at the Sphere, as they risk incurring losses. The production of unique video content for the Sphere’s impressive 160,000 square-foot, 16K-resolution screen can cost between $6-10 million per headliner, deducting from their earnings. This is why Zac Brown indicated he might not profit from his eight-show stint last year.
According to Metallica’s announcement, the presale on Wednesday will not follow the staggered model seen on Monday. Those with a Legacy or Fifth Member code can access presales for single or two-night “no repeat” weekends (the performances occur on Thursday and Saturday nights, with distinct song sets each evening).
For ticket details, visit metallica.lnk.to/MetallicaSphereTix.
Travel packages are also available through Vibee.com.
On the Hiatus Front
The organizers of the “When We Were Young” festival have announced a temporary hiatus for 2026, assuring fans that the beloved emo and pop-punk event will return in October 2027.
No specific reason for the break was provided, other than a vague commitment “to ensure this festival receives the attention it merits and that the upcoming edition feels just as special as previous ones.”
This festival, which has featured headliners like Blink-182, My Chemical Romance, Green Day, and Panic! at the Disco, has been held annually at Las Vegas Festival Grounds since 2022.
This announcement would typically raise few eyebrows. However, it’s noteworthy that “When We Were Young” marks the third emo or punk festival to announce a hiatus for 2026.
Last October, “Punk Rock Bowling” provided an unclear explanation for its cancellation, stating: “Life has presented some unforeseen challenges in recent months, and we are all facing difficult times.”
Do these announcements suggest a reluctance to proceed amid a 7.5% decline in visitors to Las Vegas in 2025, which appears to be ongoing into 2026? No one is currently willing to comment.
“Best Friends Forever,” another emo festival in Vegas, is also sitting out 2026, but gave a clear reason: its regular venue, Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, is being transformed into a parking lot by its owners, Derek and Greg Stevens. The festival’s organizers have stated they plan to return in 2027.
The “Sick New World” heavy-metal festival is confirmed for April 25 at the Festival Grounds, featuring System of a Down, Korn, and Bring Me the Horizon. It took 2025 off, reportedly due to disappointing ticket sales influenced by its $472 per-day starting price.