Watch Metallica Spawn a Monster for Their Sphere Residency Opener
An array of ostentatious 3D graphics, including a giant Cthulhu, accompanied the band’s debut at the Las Vegas venue
Metallica, known for their grandiose stage presence, delivered a colossal opening night at the Las Vegas Sphere last October 1. As a four-piece band, they captivated the audience inside the venue’s expansive curved screen, commencing their 18-song performance from their 1983 thrash metal debut Kill Em All up to their latest album, 72 Seasons released in 2023.
Among the visual effects, a multidimensional portrayal of the Lovecraftian Cthulhu graced the screen during the Ride the Lightning track “The Call of Ktulu.” For the full experience, watch the accompanying footage and review the setlist below. While the exterior of the Sphere exuded a playful neon exterior, the massive screen displayed visuals of "nooses, crosses, flooded landscapes, ruined buildings and other imagery that seemed pulled from a succession of horror movies," as noted by the San Francisco Chronicle in its review.
James Hetfield, the band's frontman, expressed his delight with the technology, stating, "For modern technology and old guys playing loud music, I have to say this is pretty awesome." This night marked the first of 24 performances scheduled at the 20,000-capacity venue through March 2027, with each Thursday and Saturday showcasing "No Repeat Weekends," ensuring no overlap between setlists.
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