Apple has introduced an historic concert experience headlined by Metallica, only accessible on the Apple Vision Pro headset. The new experience is a capture of the band’s performance on the closing night of their M72 World Tour in Mexico City. The concert film includes full performances of three of their most iconic songs: “Whiplash,” “One,” and “Enter Sandman.” The performances were captured using Apple Immersive Video technology, including ultra-high-resolution 180-degree video and Spatial Audio, which provides the audience with the most immersive experience to date.
To achieve this type of immersion, Apple built a custom stage layout with 14 Apple Immersive Video cameras. The equipment included a mix of stabilized cameras, cable-suspended cameras, and remote-controlled camera dolly systems that moved around the stage. This resulted in diverse perspectives, from as intimate as the Snake Pit to overall shots of the band’s energetic performance in the round.
The experience leaves one feeling like he or she is with the band—backstage, front row, even on stage. This is achieved through the revolutionary technology that brings the live experience to an all-time high. Metallica’s bassist, Robert Trujillo, described the experience as nearly tangible, where viewers can actually feel the live music and the chemistry between the people and the musicians.
Metallica’s collaboration with Apple is a significant move into immersive technology, shattering the boundaries of how live music can be enjoyed by fans. The band has always been interested in discovering new ways of engaging with their fans, and this venture is a testament to that commitment.
For the rest of us, demos are available in Apple Stores nearby. This allows fans to experience the magic of spatial computing and get a longer sneak preview of the Metallica concert. In addition, a new EP titled M72 World Tour: Mexico City will be available in Spatial Audio on Apple Music featuring the same three songs from the concert.
This immersive concert experience is part of a string of musical projects Apple has produced for the Vision Pro line, including collaborations with artists like Alicia Keys, Raye, and The Weeknd. The Metallica live concert film is approximately 25 minutes long and is an exclusive experience that feels downright real, making it one of the most immersive out there.
The launch of this concert experience also illustrates Apple’s insistence on making the Vision Pro consumer-friendly. Initially focused on courting developers, Apple is now unleashing capabilities that prioritize consumers, exposing the potential of the headset to deliver heavenly immersive experiences. The partnership with Metallica is one of the finest illustrations of how Apple is employing its technology to redefine individuals’ enjoyment of live music.
