Metallica Return to Greece After 16 Years – Athens Kicks Off 2026 European Tour

Global metal icons Metallica are officially returning to Greece for the first time in 16 years, as they launch the European leg of their extended M72 World Tour in Athens on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

The highly anticipated concert will take place at the Olympic Stadium, marking a historic moment for Greek fans who will finally experience Metallica’s massive 360° in-the-round stage – a setup never before seen in the country.

This Athens show opens the band’s 2026 European and UK tour, which includes 16 stadium dates across May, June, and July. Sharing the stage with Metallica for the Athens performance are Gojira and Knocked Loose, promising an electrifying night for metal enthusiasts.

Tickets will go on general sale on Friday, May 30 at 10:00 AM via ticketmaster.gr, while members of Metallica’s Fan Club can access exclusive presale tickets starting Tuesday, May 27 at 11:00 AM. Additionally, fans who register on highpriority.gr by May 25 will be eligible for early access on Thursday, May 29 at 10:00 AM.

Since its launch in Amsterdam in April 2023, the M72 World Tour has played to nearly 4 million fans worldwide, earning rave reviews from the international press. Billboard called it “a life-changing experience,” Kerrang! described it as “triumphant,” and the Los Angeles Times praised it as “Metallica’s tightest and most fiery performance in years.”

The 2026 tour continues Metallica’s signature No Repeat Weekend format – with cities hosting two unique shows featuring different setlists and opening acts. While Athens gets one massive show, other cities like Frankfurt, Dublin, Budapest, and London will host two-night runs.

As part of the European tour, Metallica will perform in:

• May 13 – Bucharest, Romania
• May 19 – Horzów, Poland
• May 22 & 24 – Frankfurt, Germany
• May 27 – Zurich, Switzerland
• May 30 – Berlin, Germany
• June 3 – Bologna, Italy
• June 11 & 13 – Budapest, Hungary
• June 19 & 21 – Dublin, Ireland
• June 25 – Glasgow, Scotland
• June 28 – Cardiff, Wales
• July 3 & 5 – London, England

Support acts across the tour include Gojira, Pantera, Knocked Loose, and Avatar, depending on the date.

The M72 tour is produced by High Priority Promotions in collaboration with Live Nation. A portion of all ticket proceeds will go to All Within My Hands, Metallica’s charitable foundation. Since its founding in 2017, the foundation has raised over $20 million to support workforce education, fight food insecurity, and provide disaster relief.

Metallica is back – and Athens is ready.

Source: greekcitytimes