Metallica closed out the Australian leg of their M72 World Tour with a tribute to two of the country’s most influential rock acts, performing covers of AC/DC and Rose Tattoo during their Nov. 15 concert at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
The gesture came during the band’s signature “doodle” segment — the stripped-back interlude led by guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo — which has become a staple of the current tour.
The pair launched into an instrumental version of AC/DC’s “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” before shifting into Rose Tattoo’s “Nice Boys Don’t Play Rock ’n’ Roll,” drawing loud approval from the sold-out crowd. The moment carried added resonance as AC/DC were performing their own Power Up tour the same night in Melbourne, creating a rare split-city convergence of two generations of rock royalty.
The Sydney show capped a five-city Australian run in which Metallica incorporated local tributes at every stop. In Perth on Nov. 1, Hammett and Trujillo performed John Butler Trio’s “Zebra.” Adelaide received a rendition of The Angels’ “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again,” while Melbourne fans heard a nod to The Living End’s “Prisoner of Society” with hints of INXS’ “Don’t Change.” Brisbane’s Nov. 12 show featured The Chats’ punk anthem “Smoko,” a moment that sent the audience into full-throttle chaos.
Metallica performed to roughly 70,000 fans in Sydney, supported by Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies. Their 360-degree stage design once again featured the Snake Pit walkway, robotic cameras and drones — a production approach that has defined the visual identity of the M72 tour and pushed the stadium experience into new territory.
The timing of the show aligned with a major period for Australian rock audiences. Oasis had wrapped their Australian stadium run one week earlier, and AC/DC’s return created back-to-back landmark moments for fans across the country.
Next, Metallica will continue the M72 World Tour in Auckland on Nov. 19 before heading to Qatar.
Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox
Sign Up
