Metal Legends Metallica Bring ‘M72 World Tour’ to Nissan Stadium May 1 & 3 for Two Completely Different Setlists

Of the “big four” American bands credited with popularizing thrash metal- Megadeth, Anthrax, Slayer, and Metallica- only the latter, Metallica, have ascended to such legendary status that they’re able to headline football stadiums and major music fests, transcending genre to become one of the most popular and beloved bands of all time, period. While more regular fixtures in Music City in the ’90s, the acclaimed rockers have only made it to Nashville a handful of times in the 21st century, headlining Bridgestone Arena (through its various name changes) a couple times in the 2000s, and, most recently, in 2019, for the first time in a decade (they also famously played a secret show at The Basement in ’08, which remains one of the coolest things to ever happen in the local rock scene).

Enjoying high critical praise for 2023’s 11th full-length 72 Seasons, the band are about to hit the two-year milestone for their extensive, epic “M72 World Tour,” traversing the globe, and, in many cities, performing two nights of completely different songs, promising “no repeats whatsoever.” They’ll kick off two such nights in Nashville tonight, May 1 and Saturday, May 3, for their largest local shows ever at Nissan Stadium! And, adding even more variety for those who opt to catch both shows, they’ll also have completely different openers, with groove metal legends Pantera and thrash and hardcore outfit Suicidal Tendencies tapped for night one, and nu metal icons Limp Bizkit and metalcore outfit Ice Nine Kills on support for night two. A handful of tickets for both shows remain here (5/1) and here (5/3), and there’s also a two-day option for fans who want the full experience!

Formed at the start of the ’80s in Los Angeles, with frontman James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, as well as guitarist Kirk Hammett, who replaced founder Dave Mustaine just two years in, ahead of the group’s legendary debut Kill ‘Em All, remaining constants, and bassist Robert Trujillo now their longest-serving fourth member, joining in 2003, Metallica revolutionized American metal with further ’80s efforts Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, and …And Justice for All, before becoming an even more gargantuan mainstream, crossover fixture with their eponymous 1991 effort (most commonly referred to as “the black album”).

Heralded for their technical prowess, broad rock influence, and ability to package metal in a more accessible way, Metallica have remained one of the most beloved and acclaimed rock bands in the world for decades. Though their output has slowed down in the new millennium, releasing just four LPs in the last 25 years, the band made a notable return to their more thrash geared roots with 2008’s Death Magnetic, and further proved their ability to still appease longtime fans while keeping in more conventional heavy metal territory with 2016’s Hardwired… to Self-Destruct, momentum and ethos that carried on seven years later with 72 Seasons.

Still one of the most hard hitting, heavy, and electrifying metal bands in the world, it’s hard to believe Metallica are creeping up on their 45th anniversary (for what it’s worth, they formed in their teens, and are all just in their early 60s now, despite a career that’s spanned five separate decades), and, while we expect them to keep touring for decades to come (we’d bet money on a 50th anniversary run in 2031), it’s hard to say at what frequency, or when they’ll make it back to Music City. If you like metal, Metallica, or epic stadium events, do not miss these shows!

And, if you want to make the most of Metallica weekend, here’s some other cool happenings to check out:

POP-UP SHOP
Wednesday, April 30 – Saturday, May 3
Wed – Fri: 10 AM – 7 PM
Sat: 10 AM – 6 PM
660 Lafayette St

THE ART OF SQUINDO
104 Seasons of Metallica Art
Friday, May 2 | Event: 3:30 PM | Doors: 3 PM
Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
MORE INFO

BLACKENED X DREW ESTATE
Meet & Greet with Rob Dietrich
Friday, May 2 | 5:00 PM
Smoker’s Abbey | 21+ Event
MORE INFO

KIRK HAMMETT / THE COLLECTION: LIVE
A Conversation with Kirk Hammett and Gibson Guitars’ Mark Agnesi
Friday, May 2 | Event: 6:30 PM | Doors: 6 PM
Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
MORE INFO

METALLICA SAVED MY LIFE
A Sneak Peek of Metallica’s Latest Film Project
Friday, May 2 | 6:30 PM
MORE INFO

Metallica will perform May 1 with Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies and May 3 with Limp Bizkit and Ice Nine Kills at Nissan Stadium. The shows are all ages, begin at 6 p.m. (gates at 4 p.m., parking lot at 2 p.m.), and tickets are available here.