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Metal legends Metallica could be preparing to unleash their iconic sound at one of the biggest stages in the world – the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Speaking candidly on The Howard Stern Show, drummer Lars Ulrich revealed the band’s desire to headline the coveted halftime slot, which will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, just outside their hometown of San Francisco.
“First of all, we would do it,” Lars stated with enthusiasm.
“Second of all, to do it in San Francisco would be a dream come true and would be the right fit.”
The band, formed in 1981 and widely credited with pioneering thrash metal, has long been associated with the Bay Area music scene. They’ve remained fiercely loyal to their Californian roots even as their success has taken them to stadiums and arenas across the globe.
Now, with the 2026 Super Bowl being held in their backyard, Ulrich made it clear that Metallica is ready, and more than willing, if the NFL comes calling.
“Certainly, as somebody who’s represented San Francisco all over the world and shouted for decades about San Francisco and our love for the Bay Area, that part of it is the right fit,” he said.
“Ultimately, it’s not our decision.”
A Heavy Metal First?
Despite their global dominance, Metallica has never performed at a Super Bowl Halftime Show, a slot traditionally reserved for pop and R&B megastars such as Beyoncé, Madonna, and Rihanna. The inclusion of a hard rock or heavy metal act has often been seen as a risk, but the band’s fan base, spanning over four decades, would argue otherwise.
Their recent world tour has sold out stadiums from Paris to Pasadena, proving that the appetite for hard rock remains as strong as ever.
Las Vegas Sphere Also on the Horizon
In addition to Super Bowl speculation, Ulrich also hinted that Metallica has been in talks about a residency at Las Vegas’ revolutionary Sphere venue, which has already hosted record-breaking performances by U2.
Describing the potential opportunity as “incredibly exciting,” he added that conversations were ongoing and that the venue’s cutting-edge technology and immersive visuals are something Metallica could really explore.
“We’ve definitely talked about it,” Lars said.
“We’re open to doing something at the Sphere. It’s a whole new way to experience music.”
Such a residency would follow the band’s recent chart-topping success with their 11th studio album, 72 Seasons, and add another groundbreaking moment to their already packed legacy.
Fans Rally for Metallica Super Bowl Moment
Since the interview aired, social media has been flooded with fans calling for the NFL to book Metallica for the Halftime Show, especially given the hometown connection.
One fan tweeted, “Metallica playing the Super Bowl in San Francisco is the only right choice. Let’s make history!”
Another wrote, “It’s time rock got its turn on the big stage. Metallica would blow the roof off Levi’s.”
Whether the NFL listens remains to be seen, but with Lars Ulrich openly throwing their name into the ring, the pressure is on to finally bring metal to the Halftime Show.
