Metallica Tickets

About this Event

Metallica fans in Australia and New Zealand have been waiting for 12 years for the iconic heavy metal legends to return. The good news, is they are bringing their M72 World Tour our way in November 2025! This highly anticipated tour will see the band rocking stadiums across Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and Auckland, with their famous "Snake Pit" set-up and a couple of killer supports. 

The band’s last visit to Australia was back in 2013 when they headlined the now-defunct Soundwave festival alongside Linkin Park and Blink-182. Their planned 2019 Australian tour was cancelled when frontman James Hetfield sought treatment for addiction, and further delays followed due to the pandemic.

Kicking off in Perth at Optus Stadium on November 1st, the M72 World Tour will then make its way through Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney before wrapping up in Auckland at Eden Park on November 19th. Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies, featuring former Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison, will fill out the lineup. 

Metallica's 2025 Australian tour dates

November 1, 2025: Perth, Optus Stadium

November 5, 2025: Adelaide, Adelaide Oval

November 8, 2025: Melbourne, Marvel Stadium

November 12, 2025: Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium

November 15, 2025: Sydney, Accor Stadium 

Metallica’s impact on the music world 

With over 120 million albums sold and nine Grammy Awards under their belt, Metallica have been rocking since 1981, and their latest album, 72 Seasons, hit #1 on the ARIA Charts, adding another chapter to their legendary discography. 

Formed in 1981, they became one of the defining bands of thrash metal, shaping the genre with their lightning-fast tempos, heavy riffs, and raw energy. Their music, from the iconic Master of Puppets and …And Justice for All to the groundbreaking self-titled record (often called The Black Album), has shaped the heavy metal scene and made an undeniable impact on mainstream rock (Enter Sandman is a cultural staple).

Their latest album has continued to demonstrate the band’s power to evolve while staying true to their roots. Released in 2023, it debuted at number one in 20 countries, and the M72 tour has already broken attendance records at venues like SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where nearly 80,000 fans gathered.

Metallica’s evolution of triumph and tragedy

With a discography that spans multiple eras, Metallica’s albums chronicle their growth as musicians, from thrash metal pioneers to global rock icons.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1981 by drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield, the duo was intent on creating a sound that was more aggressive and intense than the glam metal that dominated the 1980s music scene. 

Initially joined by guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist Ron McGovney, Metallica quickly became a force within the underground metal community. Mustaine’s departure, leading to his formation of Megadeth, was a pivotal moment for the band, with Kirk Hammett joining as the new lead guitarist, rounding out Metallica’s iconic lineup.

Kill 'Em All (1983)

Metallica’s debut album, Kill 'Em All, released in 1983, introduced their fast, raw thrash metal sound. Tracks like Seek & Destroy and Whiplash became instant anthems, showcasing the band's unique blend of speed and aggression. The album established Metallica’s reputation as thrash metal innovators, and their unrelenting energy quickly earned them a dedicated fan base.

Ride the Lightning (1984)

With Ride the Lightning, Metallica evolved their sound, blending complex structures with their trademark thrash style. Songs like Fade to Black and Creeping Death demonstrated their growing musical sophistication and willingness to tackle broader themes. The album is seen as a milestone in the band’s career, highlighting their ability to craft aggressive anthems and more nuanced tracks.

Master of Puppets (1986)

Regarded by many as their magnum opus, Master of Puppets is considered one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time. The record features the timeless title track along with Battery and Welcome Home (Sanitarium), tracks that solidified Metallica’s place in metal history. Tragically, the album’s success was marred by the death of bassist Cliff Burton in a bus accident during the album’s tour. His passing marked a painful chapter, but the band pushed forward with new bassist Jason Newsted.

…And Justice for All (1988)

Released in 1988, …And Justice for All showcased Metallica’s musically and lyrically growing maturity. The album featured intricate arrangements and longer song structures, with tracks like One and Dyer's Eve tackling themes of war, societal pressure, and personal struggle. Despite its critical acclaim, some fans criticised the album for its sparse bass sound, a production choice that remains a point of contention for some.

The Black Album (1991)

In 1991, Metallica released their self-titled album, known as The Black Album. This album marked a significant shift in the band’s sound, embracing a more accessible, heavy yet polished style. Tracks like Enter Sandman, The Unforgiven, and Nothing Else Matters became massive hits, propelling the band into mainstream success and earning them a new legion of fans. The Black Album's influence extended far beyond metal, making Metallica one of the biggest rock bands in the world.

Load and Reload (1996, 1997)

In the mid-1990s, Metallica explored a more experimental direction with Load and Reload. These albums blended hard rock with elements of southern rock and blues, marking a departure from the thrash metal roots that defined their early career. While the albums received mixed reactions from long-time fans, songs like Until It Sleeps, Fuel and Memory Remains still demonstrated Metallica’s ability to create powerful and memorable music.

St. Anger (2003)

After a period of turmoil, including the publicised struggles documented in the documentary Some Kind of Monster, Metallica released St. Anger in 2003. The album was met with a divided reception, largely due to its raw, unpolished sound and the absence of guitar solos. However, it showcased Metallica’s willingness to take risks and address their personal and professional challenges. Despite the controversy, St. Anger featured tracks like "St. Anger" and "Frantic," which became staples in the band’s live shows. If the bass sound in …And Justice for All was a problem, ask a Metallica fan about St. Angers' snare drum.

Death Magnetic (2008)

In 2008, Metallica returned to their thrash roots with Death Magnetic. The album received praise for its energy and revitalised sound, bringing back the ferocity of their earlier work while incorporating modern production techniques. Songs like The Day That Never Comes and All Nightmare Long were welcomed by both fans and critics, reaffirming Metallica’s place in the heavy metal pantheon.

Hardwired… to Self-Destruct (2016)

Released in 2016, Hardwired… to Self-Destruct was a two-part album that showcased Metallica’s continued evolution. It merged the best of their classic sound with new influences, with tracks like Hardwired and Moth Into Flame demonstrating the band’s ability to remain relevant in the modern rock scene. The album was widely acclaimed, proving that Metallica could still deliver hard-hitting, innovative music after more than three decades in the industry.

72 Seasons (2023)

Metallica’s most recent album, 72 Seasons, continues their legacy of innovation and relevance. The album debuted at number one in multiple countries and was met with positive reviews for its depth, both musically and thematically. The title, referencing the first 18 years of life, explores themes of personal growth, struggles, and transformation. 

How to get your Metallica 2025 tour tickets

Featuring explosive performances of their biggest hits and interactive setups like the iconic "Snake Pit" – a fan-centric area that puts concertgoers right in the middle of the action, the M72 tour has exclusive ticket packages as well. The I Disappear Ticket, for example, offers entry to all five Australian shows, travel packages, and even VIP experiences like meet and greets.

For the best tickets to the Metallica Australian and New Zealand shows in 2025, check out the available listings on Queen of Tickets right at the top of this page!