Metallica launched their Life Burns Faster residency at the Las Vegas Sphere on October 1, 2026, delivering a 16-song opening night setlist.
Life Burns Faster Residency Launch at the Las Vegas Sphere
The Thursday night opener utilized “Battery” from 1986’s Master of Puppets as the first track, marking the first time the band used the song to open a set since July 11, 2024, Far Out Magazine reported. Before Metallica took the stage, the venue played AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” and Ennio Morricone’s “The Ecstasy of Gold” over the public address system.
The 24-performance residency runs on Thursday and Saturday nights through March 2027.
Band plays rare songs on October 1
The October 1 performance featured several songs the band has rarely played in recent years. Far Out Magazine reported that “Now That We’re Dead” from 2017’s Hardwired… to Self-Destruct appeared in the third slot, marking its first appearance in a setlist since 2021. Later in the evening, the band performed the title track from 1988’s …And Justice for All for the first time since August 9, 2014.
The complete October 1 opening night setlist comprised:
- “Battery”
- “Creeping Death”
- “Now That We’re Dead”
- “Sad but True”
- “The Shortest Straw”
- “Wherever I May Roam”
- “The Day That Never Comes”
- “…And Justice for All”
- “Kirk and Rob Doodle”
- “Nothing Else Matters”
- “The Call of Ktulu”
- “Lux Æterna”
- “Ride the Lightning”
- “The Memory Remains”
- “Seek & Destroy”
- “Master of Puppets”
Far Out Magazine noted that the performance of “The Call of Ktulu” was dedicated to late bassist Cliff Burton, while “Nothing Else Matters” featured an extended solo intro from guitarist Kirk Hammett, and “The Memory Remains” concluded with an extended outro that bled directly into “Seek & Destroy.”
Metallica residency runs through March 2027
Metallica’s residency dates span through March 13, 2027, with shows scheduled across October and November before resuming in early 2027. The band is joining a roster of Sphere headliners that includes Eagles, Backstreet Boys, No Doubt, Kenny Chesney, and John Mayer, who is scheduled for a solo residency in April after performing at the venue in 2024 and 2025 with Dead & Company.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sphere Residency
How many total shows are scheduled for the Life Burns Faster residency?
The residency consists of 24 total performances taking place on Thursday and Saturday nights through March 13, 2027, according to Far Out Magazine.
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