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Metallica Launches 2025 Tour Breaking Attendance Record

James Hetfield of Metallica music band performs on stage during their concert in Madrid, Spain, 12 July 2024. Metallica concert in Madrid, Spain - 12 Jul 2024
Photo by Mariscal/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (14584152r)

Metallica has launched their highly anticipated M72 World Tour in 2025, breaking attendance records and captivating fans across the globe. The tour kicked off with a spectacular one-night-only performance at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York, on April 19, 2025. Unlike their routine “No Repeat Weekend” format, where they perform two different sets over two nights, the Syracuse gig was a unique blend of the band’s 16-song set list from various decades of their illustrious career. The event saw an astounding attendance of over 47,500 fans, surpassing the venue's previous record set by The Who in 1982, making it the largest ticketed music event in the history of Syracuse.

The setlist was a journey through Metallica's rich discography, commencing with “Creeping Death” and “For Whom The Bell Tolls” from the 1984 album Ride the Lightning. Iconic tracks such as “Enter Sandman,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Master of Puppets” highlighted the evening, showcasing Metallica's enduring legacy and ability to resonate with fans old and new. The band paid special homage to their past and present by including songs from nine of their ten studio albums, with the conspicuous absence of tracks from the 2003 album St. Anger.

Adding to the grandeur, the concert featured a circular stage setup positioned on the 50-yard line of the stadium, offering an immersive experience that enveloped the audience from all directions. This layout not only amplified the concert atmosphere but also allowed for maximum fan engagement, with attendees occupying seats around the stadium and thousands more standing on the floor, engulfed in the frenzy within the “snake pit” near the stage. Such meticulous event planning and execution underscore Metallica's commitment to delivering unparalleled live performances, cementing their status as titans of the metal genre.

The M72 World Tour is set to sweep through multiple cities, with looming performances in Toronto, Nashville, Columbus, and many more, reaching as far as Europe and Oceania later in the year. Notable collaborations are also part of this tour, featuring prominent acts like Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies as openers, amplifying the concert's dynamism and appeal. This tour also integrates enhanced experiences, allowing fans to access special events like the “M72 Takeover Events” that enrich the concert-going experience with added layers of interaction and message-driven content.

Metallica, 4/19/25, Syracuse, New York Setlist

1. “Creeping Death”
2. “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
3. “Hit the Lights”
4. “King Nothing”
5. “Lux Æterna”
6. “Screaming Suicide”
7. “Kirk and Rob Doodle”
8. “The Day That Never Comes”
9. “Fuel”
10. “Orion”
11. “Nothing Else Matters”
12. “Sad but True”
13. “One”
14. “Seek & Destroy”
15. “Master of Puppets”
16. “Enter Sandman”

Key Takeaways

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