Full Breakdown
Metallica Closes M72 World Tour with Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath
7/7/2026, 3:33:52 PM
Final Show Honors Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath
On July 5, 2026, Metallica ended their three-year “M72 World Tour” at London Stadium, a venue that seats 80,000 spectators. The setlist of 16 songs featured a “Kirk and Rob Doodle” in which guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo performed a mash-up of Black Sabbath’s “Electric Funeral” and the Sex Pistols’ “Holidays in the Sun.” The segment was framed as a tribute to late Ozzy Osbourne and his band Black Sabbath.
Background: Back to the Beginning and Ozzy’s Passing
One year earlier, on July 5, 2025, Metallica had joined Ozzy Osbourne’s “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert in Birmingham, England, which marked the final live performances of Osbourne and Black Sabbath. Seventeen days after that event, on July 22, 2025, Osbourne died. The London tribute deliberately echoed the anniversary of that historic show.
Key Participants
Metallica performed the London concert, with guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo delivering tribute segment. Trujillo’s spoken remarks and Hammett’s guitar work were highlighted. Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath are referenced as the honorees; no other guest performers were involved.
Timeline of the Tour and Tribute
- April 2023: M72 World Tour launch.
- July 5, 2025: “Back to the Beginning” concert in Birmingham.
- July 22, 2025: Ozzy Osbourne passes away.
- July 5, 2026: Final London Stadium show with Black Sabbath tribute.
- Oct 1, 2026 – Mar 13, 2027: “Life Burns Faster” residency at The Sphere, Las Vegas.
Data & Statistics
Metallica played 99 shows between April 2023 and July 2026, grossing roughly $600 million. The London Stadium concert attracted an audience of about 80,000, contributing to venue-attendance records set during the European leg. The setlist included the first-ever Metallica performance of Black Sabbath’s “Electric Funeral.” The tour’s structure featured two-night runs in most cities with non-repeating setlists.
Official Statements & Responses
Bassist Robert Trujillo opened the tribute by noting the anniversary of “Back to the Beginning,” holding up a fan-made sign that read “Do it for Ozzy.” He expressed the band’s affection, saying they love and miss Ozzy. Trujillo described the medley as a mash-up of “our two favorite bands,” underscoring the significance of the homage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A year ago today, there was a very important event. Back to the Beginning, Black Sabbath and so many other incredible people,” — Robert Trujillo, bassist, Metallica
- “Somebody just gave me this right now, and it's pretty powerful. It says 'Do it for Ozzy' ....Ozzy we love you and we miss you brother.” — Robert Trujillo
- “Metallica concluded their three-year long M72 world tour with a show at the 80,000 seat London Stadium that included a special tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath.” — Ultimate Classic Rock
- “Metallica wrapped up their three-year “M72 World Tour” on Sunday, July 5th, in London.” — Consequence.net
What's Next
Following tour’s conclusion, Metallica will launch the “Life Burns Faster” residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas on October 1, 2026. The residency runs through March 13, 2027, with additional dates at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, slated for November 2026.
