Metallica to Rock the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Headline Performance at Etihad Park
Global rock legends Metallica are officially confirmed to headline the Saturday night After-Race Concert at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, delivering a high-octane performance on December 6, 2025 at Etihad Park. The announcement, made by Ethara, adds immense excitement to an already star-studded entertainment lineup as part of the Yasalam presented by e& program.
The Saturday concert will see Metallica join previously announced performers Benson Boone, who kicks off the festivities on Thursday, December 4, and Katy Perry, who will close the event with a Sunday finale on December 7.
Metallica’s inclusion marks a major milestone for the event. Known for their powerful and unforgettable live shows, the band is expected to bring a surge of energy to Yas Island, performing iconic hits spanning their legendary career. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees have sold nearly 125 million albums worldwide, accumulated over 17 billion streams, and continue to captivate fans across the globe.
“Metallica deliver life-changing shows,” said David Powell, Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer at Ethara. “They are the perfect addition to the 2025 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Yasalam offering. Saturday will be a day not to miss for F1 and rock fans alike.”
Since their formation in 1981 by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, Metallica—joined by Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo—has released a series of critically acclaimed albums, including Master of Puppets, The Black Album, and the Grammy-winning 72 Seasons (2023). Their accolades include nine Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, and multiple MTV Video Music Awards.
The band also champions philanthropic efforts through their All Within My Hands Foundation, which has raised over $20 million in support of global hunger relief, workforce education, and critical local services.
Access to the After-Race Concerts remains exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders, with the opportunity to upgrade to the Golden Circle for premium concert access and the closest proximity to the stage.
With Metallica now joining the 2025 lineup, the Yasalam concert series promises an unforgettable blend of speed, music, and electrifying atmosphere, further elevating the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend as the region’s premier entertainment and sporting event.
