Metallica earns best debut on ‘Billboard’ Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in over 15 years with “Lux Æterna”

Blackened Recordings

Metallica‘s new single, “Lux Æterna,” has debuted at #2 on Billboard‘s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, the best start for any song on the ranking in over 15 years.

The last track to bow that high on Mainstream Rock Airplay was Red Hot Chili Peppers‘ “Dani California,” which also debuted at #2 back in 2006.

With “Lux Æterna,” Metallica now has 25 top-10 entries on Mainstream Rock Airplay, 10 of which hit #1.

“Lux Æterna” is the lead single off Metallica’s upcoming album 72 Seasons. The follow-up to 2016’s Hardwired…to Self-Destruct arrives April 14.

Metallica will support 72 Seasons on a world tour in 2023 and 2024, featuring completely different set lists across multiple shows in each city.

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