Former Metallica bassist Ron McGovney recently commented on his plans to see Metallica at their Las Vegas Sphere residency. He revealed on X that he was not invited and cannot afford to travel to the shows.
The comment came in response to a Metallica fan who asked McGovney whether he planned to attend. The fan noted that other former collaborators were at the opening night.
“A Metallica fan wrote to Ron McGovney: ‘David Ellefson, formerly of Megadeth, and Lloyd Grant, who played the second lead on an early Metallica demo, at the opening night of Metallica’s Sphere residency. Ron McGovney hope you get an invite to head out mate!'”
McGovney’s reply was brief.
“Not invited,” he said.
He then explained the practical reasons behind his absence.
“It’s okay. Las Vegas is over 2000 miles from here,” he said. “I don’t have the time or money to travel out there. I still have a job where I have to physically be there 40 to 50 hours a week.”
McGovney was Metallica’s original bassist. He played with the band from its formation in October 1981 until December 1982. He appeared on the group’s earliest demos, which is part of why fans still tie his name to the band’s beginnings. Tensions with drummer Lars Ulrich and financial struggles contributed to his exit.
He left before Metallica recorded its debut album, Kill ‘Em All. Cliff Burton replaced him on bass.
The band he helped start now headlines one of the most high-profile residencies in Las Vegas. Life Burns Faster is a 24-show run at Sphere. It opened on October 1, 2026, and continues through March 13, 2027. The shows are organized as paired “No Repeat Weekends,” mainly on Thursday and Saturday nights. The residency was first announced as eight shows before it expanded.
The venue holds about 20,000 people. Metallica is the first metal band to headline a residency there.
