American heavy metal band Metallica concluded the European leg of their M72 World Tour with a final performance at London Stadium on July 5, 2026.
The concert drew an estimated 90,000 fans for the second night of a double-header weekend.
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The show marked the end of the band's distinctive two-night, no-repeat format after three years and 99 performances.
Metallica delivered a completely different 16-song setlist from their opening show on Friday, ensuring no tracks were repeated over the weekend.
The evening began with opening sets from Swedish theatrical metal band Avatar and heavy metal veterans Pantera.
Avatar vocalist Johannes Eckerström expressed profound gratitude during their performance, adding warmth despite the challenging acoustics of the former Olympic venue.
Pantera followed with a high-energy set featuring surviving members Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown, alongside Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante.
The group encountered technical difficulties with in-ear monitors, which occasionally lowered the vocal mix during classic tracks like "Fucking Hostile" as the stadium filled.
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Metallica took the stage after Ennio Morricone's traditional intro music, opening with the fast-paced classic "Whiplash" before transitioning to tracks from their iconic album "Ride The Lightning."
The performance balanced historic hits with newer material from their latest album, including "72 Seasons" and "Screaming Suicide," alongside an instrumental rendition of "The Call of Ktulu" dedicated to late bassist Cliff Burton.
Music journalists noted the rare authority the band holds over stadium-sized audiences during lengthy instrumental segments.
"Who else on this planet could get away with a 10-minute instrumental and not prompt a mass exodus to the bars?"
asked an analyst from loudersound. com.
The concert concluded with a pyrotechnic display during "Moth Into Flame" and a final performance of "Enter Sandman" as the crowd chanted in unison.
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Following this tour segment, Metallica is scheduled to begin a residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas starting in October 2026.
