James Hetfield really is an OG of the heavy music scene. He and the various guys in Metallica have been around now 40+ years as a band and brand. Hetfield himself has struggled with substance addiction over the years and always reported to rehab, most recently their 2019 tour in Australia was cancelled for that reason. So when James expressed that he wasn't feeling great, the lads in Metallica group hugged him and promised to be there for him. We Love to see it.
There's virtually nothing more pure and wholesome than dudes ACTUALLY supporting dudes, because it means that those guys are truthful and open and honest with their emotions and vulnerable and real. Which unfortunately is rare. So to see huge musicians like Metallica, men of Generation X, icons, musicians and men that people look up to, be vulnerable, show their love for one another publicly and to demonstrate that "It's OK to be not OK" and to support your friends and family when they are down, we love to see it.
Hetfield and the lads were on stage at Estádio do Mineirão in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on Thursday (May 12th), where Hetfield began to talk about how he was feeling like his advanced years and perhaps 'waning' skills would let him down. Certainly a far cry from the confident, brash and energetic Hetfield that elevates crowds and is celebrated as one of the best rhythm guitarists in heavy music or perhaps all time by various outlets.
Hetfield said on stage: "I’ve gotta tell you, I wasn’t feeling very good before I came out here. Feeling a little bit insecure, like I’m an old guy, can’t play anymore — all this bullshit that I tell myself in my head. So I talked to these guys, and they helped me — as simple as that. They gave me a hug and said, ‘Hey, if you’re struggling onstage, we’ve got your back.’ And I tell you, it means the world to me."
And then Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Rob Trujillo came over to him and hugged him. In Hetfield's words: It's as simple as that. Hug your mates. Keep them close. Check in on them. Show your love.