Metallica cancels festival dates to support James Hetfield's recovery

Publish Date: Tuesday, 25 February 2020, 10:13AM

Today it was announced that Metallica would have to bow out of its upcoming schedule performance at Sonic Temple Festival as well as Louder Than Life Fest.

The band cited scheduling conflicts for the cancelation that coincide with lead singer James Hetfield's recovery program.

The lead singer posted a note to fans on social media letting them know about the cancelation and why the band had to back out of its commitment.

“It pains me to write this, but I have to let all of you know that I cannot make it to @SonicTempleFestival in Columbus and @LouderThanLifeFest 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,” he informed fans. “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.”

View this post on Instagram

Dear Metallica Family, ・・・ It pains me to write this, but I have to let all of you know that I cannot make it to @SonicTempleFestival in Columbus and @LouderThanLifeFest 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 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

A post shared by Metallica (@metallica) on Feb 24, 2020 at 9:55am PST

Fans were more than understanding and flooded the comments section of the band's Instagram post to send their well wishes to the singer. “Shows can be replaced. You can't. Get better soon brother,” one fan wrote.

For fans still attending Sonic Temple, it was also announced that Red Hot Chili Peppers and TOOL would step in for Metallica on May 15 and May 17 respectively.

Hetfield made a point to let fans know that the band will be playing other shows it has confirmed including Epicenter in Charlotte, Welcome to Rockville, in Daytona and Aftershock in Sacramento. “We will still play two unique sets at each of these festivals,” he wrote.

This article was first published on iheart.com and is republished here with permission

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