RECAP: METALLICA + LIMP BIZKIT ROCK TORONTO ON NIGHT 2 OF 'M72 WORLD TOUR'

Backspin Canada
Apr 28
3 min read

Metallica roared into the Rogers Centre for Night 2 of their M72 World Tour, delivering a sold-out spectacle that cemented their legacy as one of the most enduring live acts in rock history. Returning to Toronto for the first time in more than eight years, the legendary metal band kept their "No Repeat Weekend" promise, offering fans a completely different setlist from their first show on April 24th.

Photos by Kianna Sumitani / Backspin Canada — Photos by **Kianna Sumitani** / Backspin Canada

Adding to the night's electrifying atmosphere, opening acts Limp Bizkit and Ice Nine Kills ignited the stadium early. Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit repeatedly thanked Metallica for including them on the tour, his genuine appreciation shining through between songs. In a playful twist, Limp Bizkit performed a fun, lighthearted cover of "Walking on Sunshine," bringing smiles across the crowd. When "Break Stuff" dropped, however, all smiles turned into pure, unfiltered chaos, as fans erupted in one of the night’s wildest moments.

Metallica took the stage to "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)" by AC/DC before launching directly into "Whiplash," sending immediate shockwaves through the 52,000-strong crowd. With their trademark ferocity, the band made full use of their in-the-round 360° stage—an engineering marvel lined with radiant purple and yellow lighting that gave the entire stadium an immersive, unified energy.

Throughout the night, massive video towers broadcasted crystal-clear close-ups of Kirk Hammett’s blazing solos, James Hetfield's intense vocals, Robert Trujillo's thunderous bass work, and Lars Ulrich's commanding drumming. This tower setup ensured that no matter where you were seated—upper deck, lower bowl, or deep in the Snake Pit—you were locked into the visceral power of the performance.

The setlist took fans on a career-spanning journey: early thrash classics like "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "Ride the Lightning" mingled effortlessly with newer offerings like "Lux Æterna" and "Screaming Suicide." A special moment arrived when Kirk and Rob performed a playful "doodle," riffing on Rush's "La Villa Strangiato" and even weaving in a snippet of "YYZ," a nod to Toronto's rock heritage.

The final stretch of the set was relentless: "Battery" blazed by in a blur of speed, "Moth Into Flame" lit up the stadium with dazzling lights, and "One" set off pyrotechnic eruptions synchronized with the track's machine-gun rhythms. Though "Enter Sandman" was intended to close with a fiery blast, the planned pyrotechnics were hilariously thwarted by beach balls thrown around the stage—a fittingly chaotic end to a night that was pure Metallica.

Beyond the music, the night carried strong community spirit. In a uniquely Canadian moment, fans in Maple Leafs jerseys were seen racing from their seats to concession TVs during breaks to catch overtime action as the Toronto Maple Leafs battled the Ottawa Senators in the NHL playoffs.

Adding to their ongoing philanthropic efforts, Metallica's All Within My Hands foundation donated $40,000 to the Daily Bread Food Bank following their two sold-out Toronto shows. That donation will provide an estimated 40,000 meals to the local community, exemplifying the band's commitment to giving back wherever they tour.

The M72 World Tour itself remains one of the most ambitious treks in Metallica's storied career. Featuring a custom circular stage design, towering screens, immersive lighting effects, and the "No Repeat Weekend" format, the tour has played to more than three million fans worldwide so far. By offering two completely different setlists across two nights in each city, Metallica ensures each fan’s experience is unique—and fresh for the band as well.

In Toronto, this innovative vision played out flawlessly. From timeless thrash to stadium-shaking anthems, Metallica showed once again why, after four decades, they’re still at the absolute peak of live performance.

Remaining North American Tour Dates

May 1 – Nashville, TN @ Nissan Stadium

May 3 – Nashville, TN @ Nissan Stadium

May 7 – Blacksburg, VA @ Lane Stadium

May 9 – Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival, Historic Crew Stadium

May 11 – Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival, Historic Crew Stadium

May 23 – Philadelphia, PA @ Lincoln Financial Field

May 25 – Philadelphia, PA @ Lincoln Financial Field

May 28 – Washington, DC @ Northwest Stadium

May 31 – Charlotte, NC @ Bank of America Stadium

June 3 – Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium

June 6 – Tampa, FL @ Raymond James Stadium