Credit: Ross HalfinOver the weekend, Metallica played a one-off show at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. According to drummer Lars Ulrich, that’s just the start of the band’s touring plans in support of its forthcoming album, Hardwired…to Self-Destruct.
“We did 180 shows on the Death Magnetic tour in two-week periods over three years,” Ulrich tells Rolling Stone, referring to Metallica’s last album. “That’s what works for us. We’re going to start pretty much full-on touring in January and are looking to figure out what we’re doing in North America, but there will definitely be some pretty extensive touring in America.”
While they’ve kept busy with stadium shows and festival performances here and there, Metallica hasn’t embarked on a full U.S. arena tour since 2009. Ulrich says the band plans to rectify that next year.
“It’s time to come back,” he says. “And do some proper penetration of America.”
During last weekend’s Minneapolis show, Metallica performed the live debut of “Hardwired,” the first single from Hardwired…to Self-Destruct. Ulrich says you can expect a number of live songs to be included in upcoming set lists.
“We’re itching to play them,” he explains. “Right now, every day when we get into the Tuning Room [rehearsal space] we’re just playing the new songs. Then we’re like, ‘Wait, we gotta get out there and play ‘Master of Puppets.'”
Hardwired…to Self-Destruct will be released November 18.
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