Lars Ulrich Says He Was 'F-cking Awestruck' by U2's Sphere Shows, Inspiring Metallica's Vegas Residency

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich has revealed that U2's historic residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas was the direct inspiration for his own band's upcoming shows there, according to a report from Rolling Stone. The band's "Life Burns Faster" residency is scheduled to run weekly in two-date increments from October 2026 through March 2027.

Ulrich attended U2's opening night at the venue and described a transformative experience. "I was there opening night and was so just fucking awestruck, inspired, energized — all of it," said the drummer. "It was just, like, 'Holy shit, this is somehow another frontier.'" He continued, "Obviously, you guys were the first ones in and it was just so incredible to see that night."

What is Metallica's Sphere residency?

After what Rolling Stone described as "overwhelming demand from fans," the residency expanded significantly to a total of 24 nights. The shows will take place at the Sphere, a venue renowned for its massive wraparound 16K screens and cutting-edge sound system.

How does Lars Ulrich feel about the challenge?

While inspired, Ulrich is also candid about the daunting nature of performing in such a technologically advanced space. "It’s gonna be challenging. And obviously, like everybody else I’ve talked to about it, it’s overwhelming and fucking intimidating," he acknowledged. He hopes the band will "have it somewhat together" for their first night, noting that the unfamiliar environment is a welcome departure from their usual controlled setups.

Since U2 pioneered the venue, the Sphere has become a sought-after destination for major artists. Acts like the Eagles, Phish, and Dead & Company have since booked their own residencies, cementing its status as a new frontier for live music.

Sources

• Rolling Stone