Metallica just made history—again. The legendary heavy metal band closed out the North American leg of their M72 World Tour in record-breaking fashion, packing Denver’s Empower Field at Mile High with more than 152,000 fans over two unforgettable nights.
Taking place on Friday, June 27, and Sunday, June 29, the two sold-out shows officially set a new attendance benchmark for a two-show run at Empower Field, according to a press release by KF Publicity. It was more than just a concert—it was a landmark moment in Colorado’s live music history.
The atmosphere across both nights was electric, with fans from all corners of the country converging on Denver to witness Metallica’s raw, unrelenting energy. The band’s M72 World Tour, known for its unique production design featuring a 360-degree stage layout, allowed fans to experience the show like never before. With speakers and pyrotechnics surrounding the crowd, every seat in the stadium became a front-row view to metal greatness.
Friday night kicked off the festivities with opening acts Limp Bizkit and Ice Nine Kills setting the stage on fire. Their aggressive and theatrical performances amped up the crowd, building anticipation for Metallica’s arrival. Once the iconic foursome—James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo—stepped on stage, the stadium erupted.
With a setlist that spanned decades of chart-topping anthems, Metallica tore through fan favorites like “Master of Puppets,” “Enter Sandman,” and “One,” while also showcasing tracks from their most recent album, 72 Seasons. The energy never dipped for a moment, as the band performed with the same intensity that’s made them metal icons for over 40 years.
Sunday’s show proved just as powerful, featuring an equally stacked lineup of openers. Pantera, reunited and re-energized for this tour, brought down the house with classic tracks and thunderous riffs, followed by Suicidal Tendencies who delivered an explosive punk-metal fusion that primed the crowd for night two. By the time Metallica took the stage again, Empower Field was shaking with anticipation—and the band didn’t disappoint.
Part of what made these performances so special, beyond the blistering music and mind-blowing production, was the community that formed inside the stadium. Fans—many donning vintage Metallica tees and flashing devil horns—bonded over a shared love for the band’s music and its enduring legacy. For younger concertgoers, it was their first taste of Metallica’s power; for longtime fans, it was a reminder of why the band continues to dominate the global music scene.
As the final notes of “Seek & Destroy” rang out across Empower Field Sunday night, it wasn’t just the end of a show—it was the end of a monumental chapter in Metallica’s ongoing legacy. The M72 World Tour’s Denver finale wasn’t merely a concert; it was a testament to the band’s timeless appeal, musical mastery, and their unbreakable bond with fans.
With more global dates still ahead, one thing is clear—Metallica isn’t slowing down any time soon. And after breaking records in Denver, their impact on live music history is louder than ever.