Metallica have their eyes set on the biggest stage in American entertainment: the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Drummer Lars Ulrich has revealed the legendary metal band is eager to headline the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show, especially since the game will take place in their hometown of San Francisco.
Speaking on The Howard Stern Show on Sirius XM, Ulrich didn’t mince words about their ambition:
“F* yeah, of course we would. To do it in San Francisco would be a dream come true and the right fit,”** he said.
“We’ve shouted about our love for the Bay Area for decades. But ultimately, it’s not our decision.”
While no official offer has been made, Ulrich made it clear the band is ready if called upon.
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Las Vegas Sphere Residency on the Radar
The band is also rumored to be considering a residency at the Las Vegas Sphere in 2026 — the state-of-the-art venue known for its mind-blowing immersive visuals and 360-degree sound. Ulrich didn’t confirm anything outright but hinted at discussions in progress:
“I’m not going to confirm anything, because there’s nothing to confirm. But I’m not going to deny it either… I would f**** love to do it.”**
Guitarist Kirk Hammett also weighed in recently, telling The Hollywood Reporter that the band would love to create a “crazy experience” at the venue:
“That’s a great example of how venues are changing… it’s about using modern technology to the fullest.”
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Embracing the Future of Music Tech
Metallica has been one of the few legacy rock bands that continue to lean into tech innovation. From appearing in Fortnite to launching a fully immersive VR concert with the Apple Vision Pro, they’re proving that even the heaviest of metal can evolve with the times.
Hammett, now 62, warned fellow artists about being left behind if they ignore technological shifts:
“Ten years ago, we didn’t know we’d be in a Fortnite game or that Apple would put us in VR headsets… If you’re not paying attention, then stuff like Napster happens again.”
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Super Bowl + Metallica = Historic?
With San Francisco hosting the 2026 NFL championship and Metallica proudly waving the Bay Area flag for over four decades, fans are already dreaming of a hard-hitting halftime set featuring classics like Enter Sandman, Master of Puppets, and Nothing Else Matters.
Whether it’s the Super Bowl or a groundbreaking Vegas residency, one thing is clear — Metallica is far from done making history.
