James Hetfield Offers Fans An Update On His Recovery
Metallica shocked the world (and us all down here in Australia) last year when they announced they had to cancel their Australia Tour plans due to frontman James Hetfield relapsing and having to head back to rehab to get his life back on track again.
Totally understandable circumstances and the majority of the metal community and fanbase understood, but it’s been a hot minute since we heard about his recovery efforts and he’s just released a statement on the band’s Facebook page, unfortunately letting fans know he’ll have to miss more shows in order for him to get his life back on track again.
Dear Metallica Family,
It pains me to write this, but I have to let all of you know that I cannot make it to Sonic Temple in Columbus and Louder Than Life in Louisville this year. As part of my continuing effort to get and stay healthy, I have critical recovery events on those weekends that cannot be moved. I apologize to all of our fans who have bought tickets for these festivals. We are working with the festival promoters to provide for refunds or exchanges.
My intent with this statement is saying “I apologize” to each one of you. The reality is that I have not prioritized my health in the past year of touring and I now know that my mental health comes first. That might sound like a no-brainer for most of you but I didn’t want to let the Metallica team/family down and, I alone completely compromised myself.
Looking on the brighter side, my therapy is going well. It was absolutely necessary for me to look after my mental, physical, and spiritual health.
I want to stress that the band will play all other announced 2020 shows.
I am looking forward to getting back to playing and seeing all our great South American fans in April. And, of course, playing the Epicenter in Charlotte, Welcome To Rockville, in Daytona and Aftershock Festival in Sacramento. We will still play two unique sets at each of these festivals.
Beyond 2020, I am optimistic about the blessings I have been given and what the future brings. I appreciate all the great prayers and support from everyone since I went into rehab last September. Like the moth into the flame, being human in this career has its huge challenges and can be difficult. Your understanding helps the healing.
– James
For those still not aware of how addiction and relapsing can take over your lives, we sat down with one of our own writers, Adam Rice, who took us through his own stories of addiction last year to paint a picture of what James may be going through (as each case is different). Catch up on that here and keep your hopes up for Papa Hett’s recovery.
