Metallica have cancelled a pair of upcoming US festival appearances while frontman James Hetfield continues his recovery and treatment after recently leaving rehab for addiction issues.
“Dear Metallica Family,” began Hetfield in a personal note to fans. “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,” he continues. “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.”
Hetfield re-entered rehab for addiction issues last fall, which caused the cancellation of a series of dates in Australia and New Zealand and, most recently, the postponement of Metallica’s second annual All Within My Hands benefit concert from next month to September 2020.
The rocker performed for the first time since his fall 2019 return to rehab during a February 20 appearance at an Eddie Money tribute show in Beverly Hills, CA.
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