Metallica is set to rock Detroit this weekend with a jam-packed schedule, and the two shows at Ford Field are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a full Motor City extravaganza in store.
The Ford Field concerts mark Metallica’s return to Detroit since their memorable performance at Comerica Park in 2017, four years after the two-day Orion Music + More festival at Belle Isle.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s on the horizon as the legendary metal veterans—James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo—descend on the city, along with openers Pantera (Friday), Five Finger Death Punch (Sunday), and more.
Ford Field Doubleheader:
Metallica has been on their M72 World Tour since April, coinciding with the release of their latest album, “72 Seasons.” This tour is unlike any other in their four-decade history. They’ve been performing all over the world, and each market on this tour gets two nights of Metallica with unique setlists.
Dubbed the “No Repeat Weekend,” the Ford Field concerts on Friday and Sunday will feature a special production twist. The band will perform on a circular stage placed at midfield, creating an in-the-round concert experience, similar to Ed Sheeran’s setup when he played at Detroit Lions’ stadium in July.
Detroit marks the final stop of the 2023 segment of the tour, with the tour resuming next year in Europe and North America. The setlists have evolved since the tour’s launch in the spring, with each city enjoying a different mix of hits and deep cuts on the two nights. The only constant has been the band’s entrance music: “The Ecstasy of Gold,” Ennio Morricone’s iconic theme from “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.”
The original two-night packages for Metallica’s Ford Field concerts are sold out, but single-show tickets are still available, starting at $55.
More Music — Including a Family Affair:
Between the Ford Field shows on Friday and Sunday, Saturday offers a separate music experience, officially endorsed by Metallica. Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit will host a tribute band night featuring Southern California acts Damage, Inc. and Motorbreath. Tickets are priced at $25, and the event begins at 7 p.m.
Meanwhile, at the Sanctuary in Hamtramck, Bastardane, a trio from Georgia that includes Castor Hetfield, the 23-year-old son of Metallica’s James Hetfield, will headline. The Sanctuary event will also feature the bands Fury in Few and Klept. Tickets for this all-ages show are available for $15, with doors opening at 7 p.m.
Downtown Pop-Up Shop:
A wide range of Metallica merchandise, including vinyl records, skateboards, custom posters, and clothing from their collaboration with apparel manufacturer Wolverine, will be on sale daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The pop-up shop is located alongside the Detroit Free Press building at 160 W. Fort St. in downtown Detroit.
James Hetfield Book Signing:
Metallica co-founder James Hetfield’s upcoming book, “Messengers: The Guitars of James Hetfield,” delves into his collection of guitars, from his iconic Electra OGV to his custom models, featuring Hetfield’s insights into his playing and career. While the 400-page coffee-table book will be widely available from Permuted Press on November 21, Detroit fans can get early access through an in-person event with Hetfield at Third Man Records at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Third Man Records is located at 441 W. Canfield, Detroit.
Some Metallica Whiskey:
Metallica entered the world of spirits in 2018 with the launch of Blackened Whiskey, a collaboration with the late distilling specialist Dave Pickerell, which has included whiskey blends inspired by their songs. On Saturday, there will be a bottle signing event with distillers Rob Dietrich and Kaveh Zamanian from noon to 2 p.m. at Total Wine & More, 13801 Lakeside Circle in Sterling Heights. Ahead of the Ford Field shows on Friday and Sunday, Blackened Whiskey happy hours will begin at 3 p.m. each day at Thomas Magee’s, 1408 E. Fisher Service Drive, Detroit.
Charitable Tie-Ins and #MetallicaGivesBack:
Metallica’s All Within My Hands foundation has joined forces with the nonprofit Farmlink Project as a primary partner for the M72 World Tour. This collaboration helps provide surplus farm food to families in need. Local donation recipients in Detroit include Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan and Alternatives for Girls. Funding details will be announced after this weekend’s shows, following the band’s tradition of giving back to the communities they visit.