Heavy metal giants Metallica are set to rock the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6, 2025, as part of the after-race concerts at Yas Island, near the UAE's capital. This concert will mark the band’s third performance in Abu Dhabi, following their previous shows in 2011 and 2013. Just three days prior, on December 3, Metallica will perform for the first time ever in Bahrain at the Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre.
Tickets for the Bahrain show will go on sale at 4 p.m. AST (2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. EDT) on April 24, 2025, via the official Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre website. For fans looking to attend the Abu Dhabi concert, access is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders, who can purchase a combined ticket for both the race and the concert. Existing race ticket holders can also opt for Golden Circle upgrades, which are available now at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix website.
David Powell, chief strategy and business development officer at Ethara, the organizers of the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "Metallica deliver life-changing shows. They are the perfect addition to the 2025 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Yasalam offering. Saturday will be a day not to miss for F1 and rock fans alike.”
The addition of Metallica to the Grand Prix entertainment lineup follows the band's recent return to the Gulf region, where they performed at Soundstorm in Saudi Arabia in 2023. Their 2025 world tour, dubbed "M72," kicked off on April 19, 2025, at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York, featuring support from Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies. The tour has been met with rave reviews, with critics praising the band's performances as "life-affirming" and "impossible to leave unsatisfied.”
Since the tour's inception in April 2023 in Amsterdam, Metallica has played to approximately three million fans around the globe. The 2025 itinerary promises to continue this momentum, with upcoming shows in Nashville on May 1 and 3 at Nissan Stadium, and a return to Tampa on June 6 and 8 at Raymond James Stadium. Additionally, Metallica will perform at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on June 20 and 22, marking their debut at that venue.
The North American leg of the "M72" tour will also feature a unique festival experience, as Metallica is set to headline two sets at Sonic Temple at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on May 9 and 11. The tour's innovative format includes a No Repeat Weekend concept, where each night features entirely different setlists and support lineups.
On May 7, 2025, Metallica will make a historic appearance at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia, coinciding with Virginia Tech's football tradition of playing "Enter Sandman" as the team takes the field. This show is particularly significant as it culminates over 20 years of this iconic entrance song.
In addition to their extensive touring schedule, Metallica is committed to giving back through their All Within My Hands foundation. Since its inception in 2017, the foundation has raised over $15 million, providing significant grants to career and technical education programs, combating food insecurity, and supporting disaster relief efforts.
The band's influence extends beyond music, as they continue to be a force in the rock scene, consistently delivering electrifying performances that resonate with fans old and new. Their dedication to their craft and community engagement has solidified their status as one of the most successful rock bands in history, with nearly 125 million albums sold worldwide. Iconic hits like "Nothing Else Matters," "Master of Puppets," and "Enter Sandman" remain staples in their setlists, ensuring a memorable experience for concert-goers.
As the countdown to the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix begins, fans are eager to secure their tickets for this unmissable event. With Metallica headlining the after-race concert, the excitement is palpable, promising a night filled with powerful music and unforgettable moments. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is also set to feature pop sensation Katy Perry on December 7 and rising star Benson Boone on December 5, providing a diverse lineup for attendees.
For those planning to attend, tickets for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix start from Dhs1,025, and with the addition of Metallica to the entertainment roster, the event is shaping up to be a highlight of the 2025 calendar. Fans are encouraged to act quickly to secure their spots for what is sure to be a spectacular weekend of racing and rock music.
Metallica's return to the Gulf region, combined with their extensive touring plans for 2025, underscores their enduring legacy in the music industry. As they prepare to take the stage in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, fans can expect nothing less than an electrifying performance from one of rock's most legendary bands.
