Metallica break record for Wales’ biggest ever gig

Metallica gave loads to Cardiff while in the city for their M72 tour – and Welsh fans certainly returned the favour

Metallica has smashed a Welsh record with their M72 gig at the weekend. On June 28, the LA metal legends made history at Principality Stadium, bringing the biggest live music event ever staged in Wales to Cardiff.

With 76,000 fans in attendance, Metallica’s M72 World Tour transformed Principality Stadium into a spectacular in-the-round live music experience, with the stage positioned at the heart of the venue to create an unforgettable show for fans from every angle.

You can read our recap of the night as it unfolded, here. And read our review of the gig, here. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here

The concert has set a new benchmark for live music in Wales, becoming the largest music event ever staged in the nation. It also marked a record-breaking milestone for Principality Stadium, attracting the highest attendance for a concert in the venue’s history.

This record was previously held by Ed Sheeran in 2022 when that sell-out show attracted 75,000 fans. Back in 2009, U2 smashed attendance records with their 73,354-strong audience for their 360° tour.

Despite performing to millions of fans worldwide and breaking records throughout their career, the concert marked Metallica’s long-awaited Principality Stadium debut. Having last played in Cardiff 30 years ago in 1996; this show was the first opportunity for Welsh fans to experience the record-breaking M72 World Tour production at the home of Welsh rugby.

During their two-hour-plus show the band tore through a huge set of hits, ending with Master of Puppets and Enter Sandman. Before the gig even started Metallica were livng their best life in the Welsh capital, too – showing a touch of sheer class by teaming up with the Welsh Blood Service to encourage blood donations, as an effort to “give something meaningful back” to the communities where they appear, as well as attending the inaugural Blackbird Festival at Cardiff Castle and gaving dinner in a Cardiff restaurant.

Mark Williams, Stadium Director at Principality Stadium, said: “We are incredibly proud to have welcomed Metallica and the record-breaking M72 World Tour to Principality Stadium for the very first time. Hosting the biggest live music event ever in South Wales is another landmark moment in our history of staging world-class live entertainment alongside some of the biggest sporting occasions in the world.

Delivering a production of this scale, in-the-round and in front of 76,000 fans was a huge undertaking and a testament to the expertise and dedication of our team and partners. It was fantastic to welcome thousands of visitors to Cardiff and deliver an unforgettable experience for fans, while also showcasing everything our city and stadium has to offer.“