Metallica Pays Tribute to Australia’s Rock Legends AC/DC and Rose Tattoo at M72 Tour Finale in Sydney

A Finale with a Local Touch

Metallica closed the Australian leg of their M72 World Tour on Nov. 15 with a nod to two of the country’s most influential rock acts. During their performance at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, the band delivered covers of AC/DC and Rose Tattoo, adding a local tribute to the final show of their five-city run.

The moment took place during Metallica’s well-known “doodle” segment — the stripped-down interlude led by guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo. This part of the show, now a regular feature of the tour, has become an opportunity for the band to connect with each city through music.

A Dual Tribute in the Middle of the Set

Hammett and Trujillo began their segment with an instrumental version of AC/DC’s “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).” They then moved into Rose Tattoo’s “Nice Boys Don’t Play Rock ’n’ Roll,” which drew loud cheers from the sold-out crowd. The moment carried even more weight because AC/DC were performing their Power Up tour the same night in Melbourne. The split-city performances created a unique connection between two eras of rock.

Throughout their Australian dates, Metallica made a point of shaping their doodle sections around local artists. In Perth on Nov. 1, the duo performed John Butler Trio’s “Zebra.” Adelaide fans heard The Angels’ “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again,” while Melbourne received The Living End’s “Prisoner of Society” mixed with hints of INXS’ “Don’t Change.” In Brisbane on Nov. 12, they launched into The Chats’ “Smoko,” stirring a strong reaction from the audience.

A Massive Night in Sydney

Around 70,000 fans attended the Sydney show, which also featured Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies. The performance used Metallica’s full 360-degree stage design, complete with the Snake Pit walkway, robotic cameras, and drones. This setup has become central to the visual identity of the M72 tour and continues to redefine stadium production on a large scale.

The timing of Metallica’s Sydney finale came during a packed season for Australian rock audiences. Oasis had just completed their stadium dates the week before, while AC/DC’s long-awaited return added another major event for fans across the country.

Metallica will continue the M72 World Tour with a stop in Auckland on Nov. 19 before traveling to Qatar.