Metallica continues to captivate fans on their electrifying M72 World Tour across Australia and New Zealand, marking their first visit to the region since 2013. The six-date run has showcased the band’s unique connection to local culture, as they blend Australian rock influences into their performances. This creative gesture pays homage to the host countries’ vibrant music scenes and gives fans a one-of-a-kind concert experience that extends beyond Metallica’s legendary catalog.

During their Adelaide stop at the Adelaide Oval on November 5, the heavy metal icons delivered an unforgettable show packed with career-defining hits. Among the night’s biggest surprises was a dynamic cover of INXS’s Billboard-charting hit “Need You Tonight.” Following this, bassist Robert Trujillo took the mic to lead the band into a high-energy rendition of The Angels’ 1976 classic “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again,” which ignited the crowd’s trademark sing-along response, a tradition cherished in Australian rock culture.

“Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again” remains a cornerstone of Australia’s pub-rock heritage. The Angels, known for their charismatic frontman Bernard “Doc” Neeson, earned their rightful place in the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1998. Though Neeson and bassist Chris Bailey both passed away in the 2010s, their legacy endures honored this year with the unveiling of The Angels Lane near Hindley Street Music Hall in Adelaide’s CBD. The crowd’s exuberant chant during Metallica’s performance served as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of Australian rock.

INXS, whose hits continue to resonate globally, are another key touchpoint in Metallica’s Australian homage. The new wave legends achieved six U.K. Top 10 albums and five U.S. Top 20 records, including their chart-topping 1992 release Welcome To Wherever You Are. Their recognition extends to a BRIT Award in 1991 and an ARIA Hall of Fame induction in 2001. Many fans still speculate about INXS’s eventual induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, underscoring their ongoing influence in international music.

Adelaide wasn’t the first stop where Metallica paid tribute to local artists. Earlier in the tour at Perth’s Optus Stadium, the band performed a stirring cover of John Butler’s “Zebra.” In a display of mutual respect, Butler later responded with his own rendition of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” The M72 World Tour, produced by Live Nation Australia, will continue through Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and Auckland, featuring support from Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies. Each stop promises an evening of explosive performances, cultural appreciation, and pure metal mastery.