Metallica ProfileMetallica frontman and guitarist James Hetfield has made it clear that, at their shows, the politics or “bullshit” agendas of the outside world won’t make it on stage.
During the iconic heavy metal band’s show at Las Vegas’ Sphere on Saturday (10 October), Hetfield told the audience the band wouldn’t bring any “bullshit” agendas onstage. Instead, they’d offer a night of escapism.
“Unless you live in Vegas, you’ve come a long way to spend some time with Metallica,” Hetfield began. “We’re grateful for that — your travels, the money you spend, the time it took, thanks for coming to celebrate with us.”
He continued, “And I just gotta say, Metallica is not here, like some other entertainers, to influence you with their bullshit, OK? We are here… no bullshit… we’re here to forget about all the outside shit, OK? Metallica’s agenda is love, energy and heavy music, baby!”
While Hetfield didn’t name any particular artists, a couple of acts have made headlines in recent weeks for sharing political stances on stage.
The biggest news story in late September was Macklemore being pulled from Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour after he shared a pro-Palestine message before performing his protest song, Hind’s Hall. After video footage went viral, Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft threatened to cancel Sheeran’s dates at the venue.
Macklemore was then pulled from the tour, and Sheeran’s fellow openers, FINNEAS, Lukas Graham, and Aaron Rowe, as well as his backing band, Beoga, all departed the remaining shows in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestine.
Additionally, Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello just hosted his pro-democracy, politically charged festival, Power to the People, and a clip of Paramore’s Hayley Williams urging fans to vote in November, calling out “fucking MAGA pieces of shit, KKK look different,” has gone viral, fuelling conversation and controversy online.
hayley's speech from yesterday: “and please fucking vote in november. fuck all these people, these fucking MAGA pieces of shit, KKK look different. and they will not win. until I see you again, take care of you, and take care of each other.”
— thws updates (@thwsupdates) October 11, 2026
📹: @paramorgan96…
Consequence of Sound reports that Metallica are four shows into a 24-date residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, with the shows coming to a close in March 2027.
In November, Metallica toured Australia for the first time since headlining Soundwave Festival in 2013. For the long-awaited shows, the American metal icons were joined by special guests Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies.
Reviewing Metallica’s recent Optus Stadium show, The Music’s Sam Mead declared: “The ante is upped as all members of the band take the helm at the front of the catwalk and shred the life force out of Master of Puppets to a crowd now worshipping the gods of rock as they chant ‘obey your master’, getting a gift of fireworks for their efforts and a hearty chuckle. Cue rapture of applause.”
Mead also highlighted the “lusciously expressive” visuals, “effortless” musicianship and banter, and praised the night’s support acts.
