In the latest episode of The Metallica Report podcast, which provides weekly updates on the band, Metallica singer and guitarist James Hetfield spoke about where the band is moving forward following the 2023 and 2024 M72 World Tour, and what he will bring to the new concerts announced for 2025. In the interview, Hetfield shared his feelings on the reception of their latest album, 72 Seasonsand the band’s philosophy on balancing old hits and new material on stage.
Not being a “best-of” group
When Hetfield was asked what he remembers from the experiences of the last few tours, he replied: “I remember that the 72 Seasons album was well received, and that some of our more recent songs that we play live fit perfectly into our repertoire. We’re not afraid of it, but we don’t overdo it either. We know people want to hear the ‘best songs’. And we also have to challenge them to listen to some new stuff, because we certainly don’t want to be a legendary band that only plays their greatest hits and is satisfied with that. It’s all part of the game.”
Metallica seeks to renew itself without turning its back on its classics, with a desire not to rely solely on its past. Hetfield points out that the band sees its mistakes on stage as an opportunity to improvise, rather than a failure: “When a song falls apart, it might be disastrous for other bands, but for us it’s just, ‘Okay, we screwed it up. Let’s start again.’ There is a freedom on stage, and the fans allow us this grace, that of being human. There is a confidence: you can’t make a mistake.”
Also read: “We have to keep in mind how lucky we are to live this life and have these experiences”: Devin Townsend talks about his new album PowerNerd
The M72 tour in 2025
Last September, Metallica announced a new series of concerts for the M72 tour in 2025, including 21 dates in North America between April and June. The concept of “no repeat weekends” returns, with two concerts per weekend, each presenting a different setlist and varied opening acts. Among the bands joining Metallica on tour are Pantera, Limp Bizkit, Ice Nine Kills and Suicidal Tendencies. Each evening promises a unique experience for fans, true to the group’s spirit of innovation.
Two major festival dates have also been announced: the tour opener on April 12 at Sick New World in Las Vegas, and two headlining performances at Sonic Temple in Columbus, Ohio, on May 9 and 11.
A commitment beyond music
As with previous tours, a portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold will be donated to charity through Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation, which supports local causes in the cities visited.
