Metallica are set to unleash their most epic show yet – a thrilling 14-month residency at the Las Vegas Sphere that promises to blow fans' minds. And drummer Lars Ulrich has let slip just how intimidating it all feels: "overwhelming and fucking intimidating". With an initial announcement back in February, the band's been working tirelessly on this behemoth of a production for over a year.
"This is another level" – those were Ulrich's words when describing the Sphere, and we can't help but agree. The shows are designed to deliver a "wholly unique and entirely new Metallica experience", courtesy of the cutting-edge Immersive Sound and 4D technology that'll transport fans into the very heart of the action.
But, as Ulrich admitted during an interview on U2's The Edge's radio show, it's not all smooth sailing. "It's going to be challenging" – a candid confession from someone who knows their stuff. Metallica usually prefers environments they can get their teeth into, where every note and movement is finely tuned. But this? This is different. And Ulrich sees the excitement as a thrilling opportunity: "really good to be able to throw yourself for the loop like that".
It's clear that the band's taking inspiration from those who've pioneered the Sphere experience – none more so than U2, whose opening night left Ulrich and his mates awestruck. "Another frontier" for live music – that's what it felt like, according to Ulrich. And, as we know, Kirk Hammett's been singing the praises of this trailblazing venue since day one.
The wait is almost over: Metallica kick off their Sphere residency on 1 October, joining a select band of acts who've conquered the innovative Las Vegas venue – Phish, Dead & Company and the Eagles among them. Get ready for 14 months of non-stop heavy metal mayhem like you've never experienced before.