Metallica pull out of two festivals as frontman James Hetfield busy with mental health recovery program
Metallica pull out of two festivals as frontman James Hetfield busy with mental health recovery program
Metallica have pulled out of the rock festivals Sonic Temple in Columbus, Ohio, USA (which is taking place from May 15 to 17, 2020) and Louder Than Life in Louisville, Kentucky, USA (which is being held from September 18 to 20, 2020). The reason for Metallica pulling out is that frontman James Hetfield now has some mental health “recovery” events on those respective weekends. Back in late September 2019, Metallica cancelled their Australia / New Zealand leg of their Worldwired Tour, which was to start in mid-October 2019, so that Hetfield could enter rehab again to deal with his addiction issues.
The following message was posted on Metallica‘s Facebook page earlier today:
“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“