The frontman of Metallica, James Hetfield, showed up in Las Vegas with a new look, just days before the band kicks off its «Life Burns Faster» residency at the Sphere.
The 63-year-old singer and guitarist visited The Punk Rock Museum on Monday, September 28, and photos from the visit were shared on the museum’s social media accounts. Fans quickly noticed that Hetfield‘s grey hair now has a black streak down the middle.
A video posted by another account, shot inside the museum, also clearly shows the new style as Hetfield walks into the exhibit area.
Some fans on social media described the look as a «reverse Alex Skolnick», a reference to the Testament guitarist, who is known for the silver streak at the front of his black hair.
The Punk Rock Museum opened in Las Vegas in 2023. The 12,000-square-foot space houses thousands of items from the history of punk music.
Metallica will open «Life Burns Faster» at the Sphere on Thursday, October 1. The band initially announced the residency in February with eight shows in October, but within a few weeks extended it to 24 dates due to demand. Twelve shows will take place this year, through November 7, and the residency returns on January 28, 2027 to wrap up on March 13.
The shows follow the «No Repeat Weekend» format the band used on the «M72 World Tour», with each pair of shows having two completely different setlists. Bassist Robert Trujillo has said the band felt the venue’s atmosphere suits their songs.
In August 2026, Metallica asked fans to send in photos from their old concerts, which will be shown on the Sphere’s screens at the shows they attend.
The residency comes after the «M72 World Tour», which the band launched in 2023 for its 12th record, 72 Seasons.
See also: Metallica: Blood donation center in Las Vegas for the entire Sphere residency and James Hetfield: Tony Iommi has influenced me more than any other guitarist.
More on the same side of metal: Metallica: The debut at the Sphere in Las Vegas with 16 songs.
See also: Gwar: The «School’s Out» video in HD — the 20th anniversary edition of «Beyond Hell» is coming
