Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich says seeing U2’s opening night at the Sphere in Las Vegas left him amazed and energized, according to Rolling Stone. He described the show as a glimpse of “another frontier” for live music.
Ulrich made the comments while speaking with U2 guitarist the Edge on SiriusXM’s “Close To The Edge.” He said he attended the first night and was “awestruck” by the experience.
He added that U2’s production helped shape his own expectations for Metallica’s upcoming run at the venue. Metallica is preparing to launch its Sphere residency this fall.
The residency, called Life Burns Faster, started with eight dates before growing to 24 nights because of fan demand, according to the story. The run is set to take place in two-date increments from October 2026 through March 2027.
Ulrich said the scale of the project is both exciting and intimidating, but noted that stepping into an unfamiliar environment can be valuable. The Sphere’s massive 16K wraparound screens and advanced sound system have made it a sought-after stage for major acts, including the Eagles, Phish, Dead & Company, No Doubt, Kenny Chesney, the Zac Brown Band, and the Backstreet Boys.
