At least one member of Metallica is open to the thrash metal juggernauts performing at the Sphere in Las Vegas, NV. That unique 360° venue utilizes digital technology to completely encircle the band and concertgoers for engrossing live performances. While rock artists like U2, The Eagles and more have performed at the venue, metal artists have yet to take to the stage.
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett weighed in on his band’s ability to utilize technology, while also responding to what he sees as the future of concerts. Hammett stated:
“The formats and venues just keep on coming. Ten years ago, I didn’t know we would be characters in a Fortnite game or that Apple would create VR headsets that can bring you literally right in front of the performer or the athlete. We didn’t see any of this coming. We came up in a very traditional fashion where the platforms were albums, cassettes, CDs. You had nightclubs and theaters and arenas and stadiums. And you had radio. Then MTV showed up, and that became a different format.
But for decades and decades, that’s all you had. Now every decade that comes by, there are four new platforms and new venues. Even the venues themselves are changing. It’s important to pay attention to all this stuff, because if you don’t apply yourself in a responsible fashion, someone else is going to do it for you, and you’re going to be on the exploited end. If you’re not paying attention, then stuff like Napster happens. It’s not for me to say, but that’s something to ponder.”
When then asked if Metallica would entertain the idea of performing at the Sphere, Hammett responded:
“Oh, heck, yeah! That’s a great example of how venues are changing. That’s using modern technology to the fullest, to really up the levels of production and entertainment, connected to AI and making it a crazy experience.”
