Five-star show for Sunday’s second gig in Dublin

Five-star show for Sunday’s second gig in Dublin

June 22, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Entertainment

Metallica concluded their two-night M72 world tour residency at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Sunday, delivering a performance defined by a “no-repeat” setlist that drew thousands of fans across generations. The band, led by James Hetfield, utilized their “in the round” stage to perform deep cuts and hits, including a tribute to their late bassist, Clifford Lee Burton, and a cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Whiskey in the Jar.”

Did You Know? The band’s decision to perform a “no-repeat” setlist meant that fans attending both Friday and Sunday nights were treated to entirely different catalogs of music, allowing for rare live performances of deep cuts like The Call of Ktulu and Orion.

Why the cross-generational appeal matters

The Dublin shows presented a unique cultural moment for local families, forcing a choice between the metal legends at the Aviva Stadium and British pop star Olivia Dean at Marley Park. For many parents, the Metallica concerts served as a bridge between their own youth and their children’s first live concert experiences. By passing down the “baton of riffs,” the band reinforced its status as a multi-generational musical staple rather than a legacy act confined to a specific era.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the “no-repeat” strategy is a sophisticated engagement tool that rewards dedicated fans and ensures high attendance for multiple-night stadium residencies. By mixing thrash classics with emotional tributes and local-specific covers like “Dirty Old Town,” the band effectively transitions from a global touring entity to an intimate, localized experience.

What might happen next

Following the successful conclusion of the Dublin residency, the band is likely to maintain the “no-repeat” format for upcoming stops on the M72 world tour. As James Hetfield has demonstrated a willingness to engage with local musical history—such as his public visit to Phil Lynott’s statue and grave—future tour stops may see similar nods to regional artists. Fans can expect the band to continue balancing high-energy hits like Enter Sandman with instrumental tributes to their history, ensuring that the tour remains a shifting, unpredictable experience for those following the trek across different cities.

Metallica – Live Full Show at Aviva Stadium, Dublin Ireland, 19 June 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the band play the same setlist on both nights in Dublin?
No. The band employed a “no-repeat” policy, meaning the setlist for Sunday’s show differed from the Friday performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the band pay tribute to their late bassist?
The band performed the instrumentals The Call of Ktulu and Orion, dedicating the tracks to their “fallen brother,” Clifford Lee Burton, who died in a 1986 bus crash.

What local song did Metallica cover during the show?
During the Sunday performance, the band played Thin Lizzy’s “Whiskey in the Jar,” a song that received the largest crowd response of the weekend.

Would you choose to see a legacy act to share a piece of your youth with your family, or opt for a contemporary artist?