In a thunderous climax to their epic “M72 World Tour,” legendary heavy metal band Metallica made history in Denver, Colorado, by smashing attendance records at Empower Field at Mile High. Over the course of two unforgettable nights, the band drew more than 152,000 fans, setting a new benchmark for the Denver stadium’s two-show attendance record.
The sold-out concerts, held at the home of the Denver Broncos, were far more than just typical live shows—they were a testament to Metallica’s enduring power, cultural relevance, and ever-loyal fan base. Drawing fans from all over the country, the two-night spectacle not only showcased the band’s musical versatility but also created a moment that will be remembered for years to come.
Each of the two Denver performances featured entirely different setlists, keeping the experience fresh and exciting for those who attended both nights. Metallica’s decades-spanning catalog was on full display, as the band tore through hits from Kill ‘Em All to 72 Seasons, proving once again why they remain one of the most influential metal bands in the world. The unique format of the shows also featured rotating opening acts, with heavyweights such as Pantera, Limp Bizkit, Suicidal Tendencies, and Ice Nine Kills igniting the crowd before Metallica took the stage.
But the impact of the weekend extended far beyond music. In a powerful show of community spirit, Metallica’s charitable arm, the All Within My Hands Foundation, partnered with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive in the days leading up to the concerts. Held right at Empower Field, the initiative saw overwhelming participation and resulted in the collection of 240 units of blood—setting a new record for the largest blood drive in Denver Red Cross history.
This record-breaking event was part of the final leg of Metallica’s third year of the “M72 World Tour,” which crisscrossed North America through April, May, and June. The tour’s innovative structure featured two-night stays in each city, with “No Repeat Weekends” that provided fans with completely different experiences from night to night. This approach not only boosted local tourism and fan engagement but also redefined what a modern rock tour could look like.
Since its inception, the M72 tour has not just been about playing music—it’s been about deepening connections with fans, supporting local communities, and pushing the boundaries of live performance. The Denver shows were the perfect finale to that vision, serving up soaring pyrotechnics, crushing guitar riffs, and moments of genuine emotional connection.
With 152,000 fans packed into the stadium over two nights and a historic blood drive to match, Metallica proved once again that they’re more than just a band—they’re a movement. And as they wrapped up this leg of the tour, Denver bore witness to a new chapter in Metallica’s legendary career, one that continues to defy expectations and break records, both on and off the stage.
For fans lucky enough to be in the crowd, it wasn’t just a concert—it was history in the making.