Metallica Launches 2025 Tour with a Comprehensive Career Showcase

Metallica Kicks Off 2025 Tour in Epic Fashion with Career-Spanning Set at JMA Wireless Dome

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April 19, 2025

Syracuse, NY – The undisputed titans of heavy metal, Metallica, kicked off their highly anticipated 2025 spring tour on Saturday night at the JMA Wireless Dome, delivering a career-spanning set that left fans in a frenzy. In a show packed with classic anthems and deep cuts, the legendary quartet reminded the world just why they are one of the most enduring acts in rock history.

Opting for a single-night-only format for this show—contrasting with the “no repeat weekends” they’ve adopted for their ongoing “M72 World Tour”—Metallica presented a sumptuous buffet of their discography. With 16 tracks representing nine of their ten studio albums (excluding the contentious Lulu, their 2011 collaboration with Lou Reed), this concert was a testament to their vast and diverse catalogue. Curiously absent was any material from St. Anger (2003), leading fans to spark debates around Metallica’s discography hierarchy.

Kicking off with a one-two punch of "Creeping Death" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls" from 1984’s Ride the Lightning, frontman James Hetfield’s iconic growl reverberated through the arena, instantly igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm. The energy soared further with "Nothing Else Matters," "Sad But True," and the night’s explosive finale, "Enter Sandman," affirming the band’s ability to weave crowd favorites into a cohesive performance.

The setlist was a meticulous curation, ebbing and flowing between the ubiquitous hits and lesser-known gems. Classic tracks like "Hit the Lights," "Seek & Destroy," and the haunting "One" showcased the band’s extensive range while allowing standout moments for guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo, who entertained the audience with a playful jam on Death Magnetic’s "Broken, Beat & Scarred" during their improvised doodle segment of the night.

With the concert filmed by passionate fans, snippets of the evening quickly found their way online, capturing the palpable excitement and nostalgia that punctuated the venue. Those fortunate enough to be in attendance experienced a masterclass in musicianship and stage presence, refining the impact that Metallica has had over four decades in the music industry.

The band’s tour continues with two nights in Toronto on April 24 and 26 before heading to cities such as Denver, Atlanta, and Houston, where they will replicate this thrilling one-night-only format. The anticipation of each concert remains sky-high, as Metallica’s loyal fan base knows each show is a unique blend of nostalgia and unpredictability.

In related news, both Hetfield and Hammett made waves earlier this year by securing spots on Consequence‘s list of the "100 Best Guitarists of All Time." Hammett even offered fans a look into his personal canon of must-own albums, further solidifying his legacy as a driving force in guitar mastery.

As the 2025 tour unfolds, Metallica’s mix of timeless hits, stage charisma, and effortless camaraderie proves one thing: the "Four Horsemen" are far from done galloping through the halls of metal mythology.

Check out footage and the full setlist from the unforgettable night in Syracuse below.

Setlist

1. Creeping Death
2. For Whom the Bell Tolls
3. Hit the Lights
4. King Nothing
5. Lux Æterna
6. Screaming Suicide
7. Broken, Beat & Scarred (Kirk and Rob Doodle)
8. The Day That Never Comes
9. Fuel (James solo Helping Hands intro into regular arrangement)
10. Orion
11. Nothing Else Matters
12. Sad But True
13. One
14. Seek & Destroy
15. Master of Puppets
16. Enter Sandman

Stay tuned for more updates, and keep those tickets ready—Metallica is just getting started.

Written by 92.9 The Torch