James Hetfield, the frontman of Metallica, is known for his impressive voice and stage presence.
He and his legendary band will take the stage again in 2026 with their much-hyped Life Burns Faster Las Vegas Sphere residency.
But behind his impeccable music lies a deeply personal journey of addiction, fear and recovery.
Over the years, Hetfield has spoken openly about his health problems, offering rare insight into the realities of living under constant public scrutiny.
Addiction and the turning point of 2001
Hetfield’s struggle with alcohol became public knowledge in 2001 when he entered rehab, forcing Metallica to cease their work.
Looking back on that period, he later said, “I had to learn to live again… everything I knew about life was wrong.”
This moment marked a major turning point not only in his personal life, but also in the band’s dynamics, as documented in Some kind of monster.
Relapse and return to rehabilitation in 2019
After years of sobriety, Hetfield relapsed in 2019 and the same year in September, he entered rehab again, causing Metallica to postpone tour dates in Australia and New Zealand. To address his struggles, Hetfield has said, “I’m not perfect…I’m human.”
After his return, he expressed his gratitude for the support from fans and emphasized that recovery is an ongoing process and not a fixed end point.
Mental health and anxiety
Hetfield has also been outspoken about fear, especially when it comes to performing. Despite decades of success, he revealed that getting on stage can still be tricky. “I get very nervous… I feel like I’m not good enough,” he admitted in an interview.
Physical health and tinnitus
Years of exposure to loud music has caused Hetfield to develop tinnitus, a condition that causes persistent ringing in the ears. It is a common occupational hazard among musicians.
James Hetfield’s journey is one of resilience, as by speaking openly about addiction, anxiety and recovery he has helped combat the stigma surrounding mental health.
