Metallica opened their 24-show Life Burns Faster Las Vegas Sphere residency with a thunderous bang on October 1 and 3, 2023. The band unleashed a carefully curated setlist that included rare tracks and fan favorites, an immersive experience amplified by the Sphere’s state-of-the-art technology.
On the first night, Metallica delivered a set that would make any die-hard fan’s heart race. They kicked off the evening with “Battery,” the first time it had served as an opener since July 11, 2014. The band continued to shake the rafters with “Creeping Death” and “Now That We’re Dead,” marking its first performance since September 24, 2021. The setlist also featured “Sad But True,” “The Shortest Straw,” and a dedication to late bassist Cliff Burton with “The Call of Ktulu.”
The second night brought even more surprises. Metallica unveiled deep cuts such as “Devil’s Dance,” performed live for the first time since June 7, 2008, and “The Outlaw Torn,” which hadn’t been played since September 8, 2019. Other staples like “Enter Sandman,” “One,” and “Master of Puppets” rounded out the weekend, ensuring that the “No Repeat Weekend” concept lived up to its name.
Critics were quick to praise the band's performance. “The first night of their new residency is an immersive plunge into the band’s visual world,” said The Guardian in a four-star review. The publication lauded drummer Lars Ulrich’s fluid playing and James Hetfield’s commanding vocals. “Combined, both evenings make for a fascinating, phenomenal and unique experience that’s quite unlike anything else,” Kerrang! noted.
The Sphere, a $2.3 billion venue, served as a fitting backdrop for Metallica’s ambitious endeavor. Louder Sound described the band’s arrival as a “high-tech conquest” that transcended traditional concert stages. The venue’s cutting-edge capabilities allowed for dramatic animations that dwarfed the four band members on stage, immersing the audience in a visual spectacle that complemented the music.
For those wishing to catch the remaining 22 shows, tickets are available for all “No Repeat Weekends” until March 2027, with prices starting at $685 for a single show. A two-show weekend package begins at $1,145. The Sphere’s unique format and Metallica’s willingness to explore their extensive catalog make this residency a must-see.
While the Las Vegas residency is a significant milestone, Metallica has plans beyond the Sphere. They will perform at the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, in November to celebrate the venue’s 25th anniversary. This performance marks their first return to Connecticut since July 1998, when they headlined at Hartford’s Meadows Music Theater during their ‘Poor Re-Touring Me Tour.’
As the band continues to push boundaries, they also released their 11th studio album, “72 Seasons,” on April 14, 2023. The album, a relentless 77-minute ride, features tracks like “Sleepwalk My Life Away,” “You Must Burn!” and “Lux Æterna.” The energy from this album seamlessly translated into their live performances, further electrifying their already fervent fanbase.
With Metallica’s arrival at The Sphere, the stakes have been raised for live entertainment in Las Vegas. The combination of their storied musical history, innovative use of technology, and commitment to delivering unique experiences solidifies their position as one of rock's most enduring acts. As they prepare for the next chapter of their residency, fans can only imagine what surprises await in the coming shows.
According to NY POST.
