How Metallica’s M72 World Tour Created a Man-Made Earthquake in Virginia
In short: Metallica’s ongoing M72 World Tour is more than a series of concerts; it is a global phenomenon that has grossed over $668 million. Beyond the record-breaking attendance and unique no-repeat set lists, the band’s performance at Virginia Tech was so intense it literally registered as a small earthquake.
Launched in April 2023 to support their eleventh studio album, 72 Seasons, the M72 World Tour represents a massive logistical and creative undertaking. The tour is defined by its No Repeat Weekend format, where the band plays two nights in each city with entirely different set lists, incorporating deep cuts from their extensive catalog. This structure was inspired by the band's positive experiences with two-night festival appearances in 2021. To accommodate this, the tour features an upgraded stage design that moves the signature Snake Pit to the center of the stadium, allowing for a more immersive fan experience.
The tour's scale is reflected in its financial and cultural impact. As of recent reporting, it has grossed $668.4 million from 86 shows, drawing 5.32 million attendees. This performance places it among the highest-grossing tours in history. The tour has been widely praised by critics, with reviewers from NME and Metal Hammer highlighting the band's enduring status as a premier heavy metal act. This success has been recognized by industry bodies, including Pollstar, which awarded the tour Rock Tour of the Year in both 2024 and 2026.
The tour has faced various operational challenges, ranging from severe weather delays in Foxborough to health-related setbacks for both Metallica and their supporting acts. Despite these hurdles, the band has maintained a rigorous schedule, expanding into new territories and venues. A notable highlight occurred on May 7, 2025, at Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium. During the performance of Enter Sandman—a song used as the football team's entrance music for twenty-five years—the collective movement of the crowd was so powerful that the Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory recorded it as a small earthquake. The tour is currently scheduled to conclude in Salt Lake City on June 19, 2027, following a residency at the Sphere.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: M72 World Tour
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