Last Updated: 14/05/2025 at 15:20pm

Legendary Los Angeles rockers Metallica were formed in 1981, and are considered one of the pioneers of thrash metal. Along with fellow icons Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer they form the genre’s ‘Big 4’.

Known for their tours that last years, they’re currently on their M72 World Tour which has been running since 2023 and is scheduled up to the end of the year. Will the tour continue into 2026 with new dates in Europe and the UK?

Keep reading to find out all the information we know so far about potential new Metallica tour dates, and how you can get official VIP tickets to their UK concerts with Seat Unique.

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Is Metallica Touring in 2026?

Metallica 2026 UK Tour Dates & Venues

So far the only UK stop for Metallica’s M72 World Tour was Download Festival back in 2023, when the tour started. This has left fans wondering when UK tour dates will be added to the schedule, as 2024 and 2025 have been filled with shows in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

If Metallica’s music wasn’t heavy enough, a recent show on the tour at Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium caused literal seismic activity. The band played for 60,000 people at the venue, and when they played their smash hit ‘Enter Sandman,’ the intro alone got the crowd so riled up it registered as a small earthquake from one mile away.

UK fans are hoping the band might announce UK tour dates for 2026 to round out the tour, which would make the entire schedule a whopping three years long.

Where is Metallica playing in the UK?

While Metallica have not announced any UK tour dates yet, we can make some predictions for where they might go in 2026. The M72 tour consists of two shows per city with no repeats on the setlist. That means that if they do come to the UK, they will most likely play two shows in large cities like London. Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, or Glasgow.

When will Metallica tickets go on sale?

Metallica have not announced any UK tour dates for 2026. This blog will be updated once any official announcements are made. 

When was Metallica’s last tour?

In summer 2022, Metallica completed a set of European concert dates which included festival appearances across the continent, starting at Denmark’s Copenhell and concluding at Portugal’s NOS Alive.

During their The Return of the European Summer Vacation stint, the band unfortunately did not make an appearance at any UK destinations.

This means that Metallica have not performed in the UK since The WorldWired Tour dates in Manchester and London in 2019.

Does Metallica have a new album?

Metallica’s most recent album was 72 Seasons, released in 2023. This was their eleventh studio album and kicked off the M72 World Tour. While Metallica do not release albums very regularly, it’s always possible that another album could be in the works for when this tour wraps up.

How to buy tickets for Metallica’s 2026 tour?

Metallica tickets for UK concerts are currently unavailable but we expect tour dates could be announced soon.

As the band have not performed in the UK for years, long-time fans are desperate to see them live once again, while a new fandom has been born from Metallica’s ‘Master of Puppets’ appearance in hit show ‘Stranger Things’.

We therefore expect Metallica tickets to be in high demand with long queues and a string of sell-out shows.

Avoid the queues and stress while guaranteeing a concert experience to remember with a VIP ticket. With a VIP ticket package you will enjoy premium seating and unrivalled views as well as luxury perks such as VIP entrance, lounge access and an inclusive bar.

Make sure that you don’t miss out by registering your interest now to be the first to hear when VIP tickets for Metallica UK tour dates go on sale!

Register your interest in Metallica VIP tickets