How Metallica’s Lars Ulrich Was Inspired by U2’s Sphere Residency: ‘F-cking Awestruck’
Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich is preparing for the band's upcoming residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Ulrich recently shared that he was inspired to pursue the venue after attending the opening night of U2's residency, describing the experience as an entirely new frontier for live performance.
During a conversation on SiriusXM, Ulrich noted that watching U2 command the space left him impressed. He admitted that while the prospect of performing in such an environment is intimidating, he views the challenge as a necessary step for the band to step outside their comfort zone. Metallica typically maintains strict control over their concert environments, making this shift a departure from their usual habits.
The residency, titled Life Burns Faster, is scheduled to run from October 2026 through March 2027. Originally planned for eight dates, high fan demand pushed the schedule to 24 nights. These performances will occur in two-date increments on a weekly basis, bringing the band to the massive 16K screen venue that has become a major destination for high-profile acts.
Since U2 pioneered the venue, other artists like the Eagles and Phish have hosted residencies there. For Metallica, this move represents a major production effort designed to push the boundaries of their live show. Ulrich remains focused on the technical challenges ahead as the band prepares to debut their set in the coming months.