What to know about Turnstile and Metallica
- Turnstile’s invitation was declined after Metallica asked the band to open for them on tour.
- James Hetfield’s reaction remained positive, and he praised Turnstile’s live performances.
- Metallica’s 2027 tour is set to feature Limp Bizkit and Avatar as opening acts.
- Vancouver kickoff is scheduled for May 8, with the North American stadium run spanning 12 cities.
This article explains why Turnstile declined an opening spot on a Metallica tour, what James Hetfield said about the band, and which acts are scheduled to open Metallica’s 2027 North American tour.
Turnstile turned down Metallica’s invitation, while Limp Bizkit and Avatar are named as opening acts for the 2027 stadium run.
Metallica has showcased rising rock and metal bands over the years, but James Hetfield revealed in a recent interview that Turnstile, a band that dominated the Grammy Awards last year, declined an offer to open for them.
Which Grammy-winning rock band turned down Metallica’s tour invitation?
Turnstile declined Metallica’s invitation to open for the band on tour, as James Hetfield revealed on his SiriusXM show, Riff Life.
Turnstile declined the offer to open for Metallica.
The Metallica frontman said, “We wanted to get them on tour and they said no. They’re doing good on their own already.”
Hetfield’s response showed no apparent change in his admiration for the band. He added, “What a vibe they bring. They are so fun. Go see them play if you can. Just like many, many bands, they sound great on their records and recordings, but man, when you see them live, you totally get it.”
READ MORE: What Did Turnstile Play at Their 2026 Fall Tour Opener?
James Hetfield went viral in 2024 while watching Turnstile perform at the Tons of Rock festival in Norway alongside Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford. The moment showed two veteran musicians taking an interest in Turnstile.
Hetfield also said on his show, “We’ve hung out with them a bit. Super cool guys, super fun. They’ve got a gal in the band now playing, which is fun.”
Which bands are opening for Metallica in 2027?
Limp Bizkit and Avatar are scheduled to open for Metallica during its 12-city North American stadium run in 2027. Metallica’s Las Vegas Sphere residency does not have an opening act.
Limp Bizkit and Avatar are the announced opening acts for Metallica’s 2027 North American tour.
Although Hetfield recently praised Turnstile, he has also spoken positively about Avatar, which is set to join Metallica on the road. Metallica previously thanked the band for its performances as an opening act on the M72 tour in Europe and the U.K.
In July, Metallica credited the Johannes Eckerström-led band with “raising the bar” during its previous tour run. The band wrote in an Instagram post: “Ringmaster Johannes and the Swedish madmen from @avatarmetal brought something completely new to the #M72 stage. Every night felt like a spectacle. Massive thanks for raising the bar and keeping crowds across Europe and the UK on their toes!”
Metallica’s 2027 North American tour is scheduled to begin on May 8 in Vancouver. The band’s website has the tour stops and ticketing information.
Below, see the 14 biggest rock and metal tours of 2027 announced so far.
Which 14 major rock and metal tours have been announced for 2027?
The announced 2027 rock and metal tours include dates by Metallica, Iron Maiden, Slipknot and other bands.
Gallery Credit: Lauryn Schaffner
Why did Turnstile decline Metallica’s opening offer?
Turnstile declined the invitation, and Hetfield said the band was already doing well on its own. The source does not give a further reason.
What did James Hetfield say about Turnstile?
James Hetfield praised Turnstile’s energy and live performances, saying that seeing the band play gives audiences a fuller sense of its appeal.
Who is opening for Metallica in 2027?
Limp Bizkit and Avatar are scheduled to open for Metallica during its 2027 North American stadium tour.
When does Metallica’s 2027 North American tour begin?
Metallica’s 2027 North American tour is scheduled to start on May 8 in Vancouver and cover 12 cities.
