Metallica Does South America

Describing a tour of the continent as a chance to get out of the studio and soak up inspiration from fans, Metallica will rock South America in March, including two countries the band has never played before.

Photo: Charles Sykes / Invision / AP

Apollo Theater, New York City

In remarks posted on Metallica’s website, the band noted that in its 32 years of existence it had never played Ecuador or Paraguay. But there’s a first time for everything and Ecuador will lose its Metallica virginity March 18 when the band plays Quito’s Parque Bicentenario. Paraguay will experience its own Metallica milestone a few days later when the band headlines the Jockey Club in Asuncion March 24.

As with the Metallica’s tour of Europe planned for summer 2014, the band is asking fans to visit MetallicaByRequest.com and select 17 out of the 18 songs that make up the band’s setlist for each stop. And the 18^th song? That’s for Metallica to decide.

Here are the dates:

March 16 – Bogota, Colombia, Simon Bolivar Park
March 18 – Quito, Ecuador, Parque Bicentenario
March 20 – Lima, Peru, Estadio Nacional
March 22 – Sao Paulo, Brazil, Station Morumbi / Ultra
March 24 – Asuncion, Paraguay, Jockey Club
March 27 – Santiago, Chile, Estadio Monumental
March 29 – La Plata, Argentina, Estadio Unico

Tickets go on sale for Sao Paulo Dec. 17; Bogota, Quito, Lima and Asuncion Dec. 19; La Plata Dec. 20; and Santiago Dec. 21. Met Club is handling presales for all seven shows. Click here for everything you need to know.