It's safe to say that if you haven't fallen from the moon, then you definitely know Metallica. But just in case you don't know, Metallica is a legendary metal band that was originally formed in Los Angeles, California back in 1981. Basically, they are the creators of thrash metal, which is one of the best types of metal. Metallica is a phenomenal band that has inspired millions of people around the world to listen to heavy metal music and continues to inspire them today.
It is amazing that "Metallica" is one of the most popular and powerful bands, not only in the metal genre, but in general in the history of all music. Their music resonates in the hearts of their fans, and each of their songs makes the listener feel that the group is even more powerful and great. James Hetfield's impressive vocal range cuts flawlessly through every note, while Kirk Hammett delivers masterful riffs and solos. Metallica has always paid attention to their fans, not only in terms of music, but also on a personal level.
Below are 19 shocking facts about Metallica that you might not know.
19. James Hetfield's First Band
Contrary to what most people think, James Hetfield's first band was actually Obsession, not Phantom Lord. It was while playing in the group "Obsession" that Hatfield played for the first time with the first band bassist"Metallica" by Ron McGovney. The band is well known for launching the career of singer Michael Vescera. Obsession had a long and difficult career, performing from 1982 to 1989 before reuniting in 2004. This group still performs to this day. In 2012 they released their latest album titled "Order of Chaos".
18. Green album "Ride The Lightning"
Metallica's second album, Ride The Lightning, released in 1984, is the album that most of us have either bought or at least seen. This album has been decorated in the standard blue color, however there are 400 copies of the album that were mistakenly printed in green by Burnett Records. These green replicas are highly sought after by collectors and are very hard to find. The album "Ride The Lightning" became platinum 6 times. It has sold over 6 million copies in the US alone.
17. Metallica owns and operates the MetClub.
If you're a dedicated Metallica fan, then you've most likely heard of the MetClub. The band formed a fan club in 1994 for its most devoted fans. The group 100% owns and operates the club. Metallica Club releases T-shirts every year and even prints its own So What! five times a year. However, that's not all, if you're a registered member of the club, you also get tickets to concerts, various merchandise produced by the band, and if you're lucky, you might even get a chance to get backstage.
16. "Seek and Destroy" was never a single.
"Seek and Destroy" is supposedly one of the most popular songs off Metallica's 1983 album "Kill 'Em All", which is actually pretty unfortunate given that this entire album is made up of phenomenal songs. For example, "Phantom Lord", "Metal Militia" and "The Four Horsemen" are actually better songs than "Seek and Destroy", which never actually became a single. Moreover, only two singles "Jump in the Fire" and "Whiplash" were released from the entire Kill 'Em All album.
15. Tarot cards killed Cliff Burton?
The tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton in a bus accident during the band's Master of Puppets tour was a huge loss for Metallica and all its fans. Former Pentagram member Joe Jasselvader has said several times that he thinks Burton died because he had a deck of tarot cards left over from his trial. Salem witches. At the time of his death on September 27, 1986, Burton was only 24 years old. However, his legacy did not die, as the magazine " Rolling stone recognized him as the ninth best bassist in history in 2011.
14. Black Album Legacy 
Of the nine albums Metallica recorded, their self-titled album, also known as The Black Album, is still considered one of the best-selling albums of the SoundScan era. In total, more than 30 million copies of this album have been sold worldwide. In 2003, the album was ranked #225 on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums in History" list. In 2012, the band played "The Black Album" in its entirety on their 2012 European Black Album Tour.
13. The album “Death Magnetic” helped break the record 
Since the release of Metallica's last album, Death Magnetic, in 2008, they have become the only US band to have five consecutive studio albums at number one on the US Billboard 200. The album received a lot of positive reviews, and many critics even noted that "Metallica" returned to its original musical style. Death Magnetic was also the first album to feature bassist Robert Trujillo. And while we're talking about him...
12. The story of Robert Trujillo
Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo formed Mass Mental in 1998 while still in Ozzy Osbourne's band. Mass Mental released just one live album and one studio album, both of which were released only in Japan. In addition, he was also a member of the bands Suicidal Tendencies and Infectious Grooves. Trujillo has been with Metallica since 2003, but only recorded one studio album for his 12 years of being a member of the group.
11. Spastik Children
Have you ever heard of Spastik Children? It's entirely possible that you haven't heard of it, given the fact that this band was a "joke band" formed by James Hetfield, Cliff Burton, Fred Cotton and James McDaniel. Their music is more of a pure punk style and they only performed in clubs in northern California. They never rehearsed, so their music was quite scandalous. James was the drummer and Cliff played bass. After Cliff died, Kirk played bass and once said that Spastik Children was a great excuse to drink and fool around on stage.
10. They all made solo careers 
In addition to being members of the most legendary metal band in the world, these guys have also been involved in side projects over the years. Lars recorded the drums with "Mercyful" for their remake of "Return of the Vampire". James recorded the songs "Am I Demon?" and "Twist of Cain" with the group "Danzig", where he was on vocals. Kirk has also recorded tracks with other artists such as Les Claypool and Mike Bordin, and has also done some demos for the band Death Angel.
9. Accident at the Olympic Stadium
Hatfield suffered burns in a fire accident on stage at Montreal's Olympic Stadium. James entered a 3.6 meter high flame during a pyrotechnic show, which left second and third degree burns on his upper body and head. Jason Newsted, the band's bassist at the time, said that Hatfield's skin "bubbled like a Toxic Avenger". Due to this incident, Metallica had to end their performance prematurely. After a long gap, the musicians of the group "Guns N' Roses" entered the stage, but due to the setting made on hastily, their monitors were not properly set and the musicians could not hear themselves. Axl Rose also stated that he had a sore throat, which is why "Guns N' Roses" also ended their performance prematurely. Because of this, unrest and riots took place on the streets of Montreal.
8. Album “St. Anger won a Grammy 
Some Metallica fans hated the 2003 album St Anger, so much so that some US "fans" hosted "CD burning parties". At present, the band very rarely play songs from this album in concert. Despite the hatred of fans, "Metallica" won the Best Metal Show with the lead single "St Anger", and the album itself was certified double platinum in the US. In total, 6 million copies have been sold worldwide.
7. Hatfield's Christian upbringing
The band's frontman James Hetfield is known for his emotional and ferocious song testing, most likely due to his overly harsh Christian upbringing. The song "The God That Failed" from Metallica's 1991 self-titled album takes its name from Hatfield's religious family, as the song is based on the death of his mother. Because of her strong religious beliefs, she refused any medical treatment from cancer and instead prayed in the hope that God would heal her.
6. Lars, Rising Tennis Star 
Lars Ulrich was rising star tennis as a child when he lived in Denmark. Professional game Tennis was the strong point of his family, his father and grandfather played the sport professionally. Before he moved to Los Angeles at the age of 16, Ulrich became friends with Swedish pop singer Neneh Cherry. Soon his passion for music overshadowed everything else, especially tennis. Although he has often been criticized for his technical skills as a drummer (especially when compared to other metal artists), there is no doubt that Ulrich has become one of the most famous drummers on earth.
5. Hammett vs. Mustaine
The original lead guitarist, Dave Mustaine, was fired in 1983 and, as many know, later formed the band Megadeth. Kirk Hammett subsequently replaced Mustaine in Metallica. During all this fuss, Mustaine felt that he had been treated unfairly, since it was he who wrote many of the riffs that Hammett later perfected and glorified. He once said that "Hammett stole my job, but at least I slept with his girlfriend before he took my job." Never change, Dave.
4. Metallica's personal assistants
Nowadays, many celebrities have personal assistants. It's actually quite hard to find famous person who does not have a personal assistant. Lars Ulrich has a personal assistant who follows him everywhere. Her name is Barbara and she basically does everything for him, from turning on his computer to fastening his watch strap...ah, the life of a rock star! In total, Metallica has 83 assistants working for full time. During the recording of St Anger, the band even hired a psychologist to keep the band mentally healthy.
3. April Fool's Joke?
Before joining Metallica, Kirk Hammett was the guitarist for Exodus. When he first got the call to audition for Metallica, he was shocked and thought it was just a friend of his who decided to play a cruel joke on him on April 1st. However, a few days later he received a second call and realized that everything was serious and the rest is history. In 2003, Hammett was ranked 11th in the "100 Best Guitarists and Stories" according to Rolling Stone magazine, being just between Keith Richards (Keith Richards) in 10th place and (Kurt Cobain) in 12th place.
2. No personal opinions about politics
Over the years, various musicians have expressed their personal political opinions through music. However, James Hetfield does not agree with this idea. In the past, he spoke about his opinion on this matter:
“There are a lot of celebrities out there who have their ideas out in the open and people think they should be trusted because they love their idols. For us, people are people, absolutely everyone should form their own own opinion. We hope that we manage to put a human element into what is an unhappy part of life.
1. The birth of "Metallica"
It's always interesting to learn about the origins of any band, especially if it's one of your favorite bands and always has been. Metallica began in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an ad placed by Lars Ulrich in Recycler. They met to rehearse, but it didn't work out, and it wasn't until a year later, when Lars needed to form a band immediately, that the band was fully formed and recorded the Metal Massacre series of tracks for record company Metal Blade. The name "Metallica" was suggested by Ulrich's friend Ron Quintana, who also suggested that the band be named "MetalMania".
, Guitarist , Songwriter
James Alan Hatfield(English) James Alan Hetfield; genus. August 3, 1963), Downey, California USA) is the vocalist, rhythm guitarist and longtime leader of the American metal band Metallica. Since 2011, he has been ranked 87th in the list of the greatest guitarists of all time according to Rolling Stone magazine. He has his own way of holding the plectrum with three fingers. He also has a strong, memorable voice and communication with the public.
James' father, Virgil Virgil, mind. in 1996), a bus driver who left the family when James was 13, and his mother, Cynthia (b. Cyntia), an opera singer, were followers of Mary Baker Eddy's Christian Science religious movement and, according to James, much of his early life was associated with Christianity.
In keeping with their beliefs, Hatfield's parents disapproved of medicine and any form of medical intervention, and did not back down from their faith even when Cynthia was dying of cancer (James was 16 at the time). As James himself said, at first there were no problems at school, but when they talked about medicine, he left such lessons. He began to move away from everyone when he noticed the negotiations behind him.
The death of his mother and the complex relationship to religion later became the main themes of many songs by Metallica ("Mama Said", "Dyers Eve" and "The God That Failed" are about Hatfield's parents, and "Until It Sleeps" is about cancer).
Musical career
James began to play music at the age of 9 on the piano, then played the drums of his brother Dave, and finally switched to the guitar. His first band was the amateur band "Obsession". The band consisted of the Veloz brothers on bass and drums, and Jim Arnold on guitar. Ron McGovney and Dave Marrs sat in the attic of the Veloz garage, fiddling with the lighting controls. The band played famous songs from such bands as Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. After Obsession broke up, Marrs, Hatfield and McGovney continued to play together.
After moving to La Brea, James enrolled at Brea Olinda School and met drummer Jim Mulligan. Soon Hugh Tanner appeared, and with him they created Phantom Lord. With Hugh on lead guitar and Jim on drums, James sang and played rhythm guitar. The band went through several bassists before James graduated from high school and moved back to Downey.
In Downey, James moved into a house owned by the parents of Ron McGovney, which had to be demolished due to the expansion of the expressway. This house was perfect place for James and Ron to get together and listen and play music. James persuaded Ron to play the bass guitar and even promised to teach him.
James's third band, Leather Charm, consisted of former Phantom Lord members. In addition to James and Ron, it included Hugh Tanner and Jim Mulligan. The Leather Charm group was more successful. She played her songs and covers like Quiet Riot Slick Black Cadillac And Remember Tomorrow Iron Maiden. The band managed to play a few gigs and recorded demos, but began to fall apart. Tanner was the first to leave the band and was replaced by Troy James. Then Mulligan left for another, more progressive group. Ultimately, Leather Charm fell apart.
The most important event in the life of James was a meeting with a native of Denmark, drummer Lars Ulrich. Together they founded the band Metallica.
Accidents
James Hetfield is famous for his accidents. During the tour in support of the album Master Of Puppets he broke his arm while riding a skateboard. Then James was replaced for the first time, at that time accompanying the group, John Marshall. Later, in 1987, he broke his arm again, which delayed the recording of the album. …And Justice for All, and several shows on the upcoming Monsters of Rock'87 tour have been cancelled. Subsequently, the clause "No skateboards" appeared in James' contracts.
But perhaps the most famous is the case at a joint concert with Guns N' Roses in 1992 at the Montreal Olympic Stadium. During the performance of the song "Fade to Black", Hatfield walked over the pyrotechnic equipment at the moment when it went off. As a result, James received second- and third-degree burns to his left hand and face and was forced to give up playing the guitar. Instead of a rhythm guitarist, John Marshall from Metal Church was again invited for the duration of the tour. Prior to this concert, the pyrotechnicians informed the band that new special effects would be used during the performance of "Fade to Black": there would be fireworks around the edges of the stage. However, the pyrotechnicians forgot to warn that the old special effects will also remain. Being sure that there would be no previously announced special effects, James stood next to the pyrotechnic installation, and a column of flame 4 m high burned him on the left side.
Rehabilitation from alcoholism
During the recording of the album St. Anger James Hetfield decided to go to rehab for alcoholism. The musician reduced his participation in the recording process and returned to the studio to complete the disc eleven months after the course. James made his public appearance in 2003 when Metallica was nominated for MTV Icon of the Year.
After recording the album St. Anger In 2003, James suffered a serious ligament injury. Due to the lower than standard Dropped C tuning used on this album, James had to literally "spit out" the words, which caused problems with his voice. Gradually, James began to regain his voice, which can be heard comparing newer live recordings with recordings from the St. Anger. A similar situation arose in 1991 when Hatfield lost his voice while recording The Black Album. Then, at concerts, the band had to rebuild the guitars half a step lower, so that it would be easier for James to sing.
Personal life
In his free time, James enjoys hunting, collecting rare guitars, skateboarding, snowboarding, water skiing, garage work, watching his favorite Oakland Raiders play, and attending hot rod races. James enjoys music from Black Sabbath, Venom, Motorhead, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Thin Lizzy, Tom Waits, Nick Cave and Ted Nugent.
He put his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro up for sale on eBay. The proceeds went to support the musical school curriculum. The car was used in the video for the song "I Disappear" and he got it as a gift after filming was over.
Hatfield married Francesca Tomasi. Francesca Tomasi) On August 17, 1997, three children were born in a marriage with her: Caylee (Eng. Cali) (June 13, 1998), Castor (Eng. castor) (May 18, 2000) and Marcella (Eng. Marcella) (January 17, 2002).
guitars
James Hetfield is the owner a large number guitars. His collection includes the following guitars:
electric guitars
- Ken Lawrence Explorer
- Ken Lawrence Custom Les Paul
- Gibson Les Paul 57
- Gibson Les Paul Paul Landers Style
- Gibson Explorer 1984
- Gibson Explorer 1976 Rusty
- Gibson Flying V
- Zemaitis Flying V
- James Trussart SteelDeville
- James Trussart SteelX Perforated
- ESP Iron Cross
- ESP JH-1
- ESP JH-2
- ESP JH-3
- ESP Snakebyte White
- ESP Snakebyte BLK
- ESP Explorer MX220 "Fuk'em up"
- ESP Explorer MX250 "Eet Fuk"
- ESP Explorer MX250 Black
- ESP Explorer MX250 White
- ESP Explorer MX250 Man to Wolf
- ESP Explorer MX250 Elk
- ESP Explorer MX250 Deer Skull
- ESP Explorer MX250 "Papa Het"
- ESP LTD
- ESP Truckster
- ESP Black Truckster
- Gretsch White Falcon
- Fender Telecaster 1952
- Fender Telecaster with B-Bender
- Jackson King V Kill Bon Jovi
- Line 6 Acoustic Variax
- Gibson Chet Atkins
James Hetfield photo
Metallica has been officially active since 1981. Already from its name it is clear that the main styles are heavy metal and hard rock. For more than thirty years, the team has firmly secured the title of the most successful and influential group in the world. What is the secret of such popularity and who is the lead singer of Metallica? We will try to understand these issues.
Group history
In October 1981, an announcement appeared in the American edition of The Recycler about the formation of a rock band. Its authors were musicians James Hetfield and soon the composition was formed. The only thing left is its name. At the same time, a magazine about British and American groups working in heavy metal style. Among the trial names was Metallica. That is what was borrowed by the young team.
Throughout the existence of the musical group, its composition has changed periodically. This was due to the voluntary departure of the musicians (Ron McGovney) or their death. Only the founders of the musical group remain unchanged - Metallica lead singer James Hetfield (aka rhythm guitar) and drummer Lars Ulrich. However, the leader is still the first musician. It is about him that will be discussed in this article.
Biography
One of the most frequently asked questions: “How old is the lead singer of Metallica?”. And the answer to it is sometimes simply amazing. James Hetfield was born on August 3, 1963 in the small town of Downey (USA, California). He was brought up in Christian manner, so it was hard to imagine that such an obedient and calm boy would grow up to be a reckless soloist of Metallica. His biography is full of surprises and mysteries. But the root of all events, according to James himself, lies in his family.
Hatfield's father's name was Virgil. He worked as a bus driver, left the family when his son was barely 13 years old. Mother Cynthia lived after the divorce for another three years and died of cancer. The parents of the future musician belonged to religious movement Christian Science Mary Baker Eddy. Their beliefs denied any intervention of medicine in human life. Since any disease in this theory is of a spiritual nature, healing must also take place on a spiritual level. This conviction was so strong that even before her death, James's mother did not back down from it.
Under the influence of such views, young Hatfield had to leave the lessons, where they talked about medicine and its achievements. The situation has reached the point that peers began to whisper behind James's back, and he moved away from them.
Tragic events and the theme of religion later became the main themes of the musician's work. Metallica lead singer James Hetfield dedicated more than a dozen songs to them. Among them: Mama said, The God that failed, Until it sleeps.
Creation
Despite a religious childhood, James began to play music early. At the age of 9, he already played the piano and drums, which he borrowed from his brother David. And only after that did he make a conscious choice in favor of the guitar.
Metallica is the only serious project that Hatfield has been going to for more than one year. Prior to that, he created amateur bands Obsession and Phantom Lord, who covered famous hits from rock bands such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. During the existence of his second group, James moved to La Brea and studied at Brea Ollinda School. After finishing it, he returned to his native Downey, and the group broke up.
In his hometown, the musician settled in the house of a friend of Ron McGovney, who was then demolished. It was perfect for a creative studio. There, the guys rehearsed diligently, honing their guitar playing skills. Later they were joined by musicians from the previous band, in which the future Metallica soloist played. Photos in his youth, unfortunately, did not retain the memory of this period. However, the group was formed and named Leather Charm. She turned out to be more successful. The guys wrote their own songs and even performed at several concerts. However, constant departures and replacements of musicians eventually ruined the group.
Perhaps the most important and turning point in James' life was his acquaintance with drummer Lars Ulrich.
The success of their duet is understandable for many. Both musicians are devoted to music to the depths of their souls and from the very beginning they understood the seriousness and responsibility of the project they were taking on. In addition, the guys are really talented. The lead singer of Metallica has a strong and catchy vocals. And journalists note his special manner of interacting with the public and the peculiarity of holding his mediator with three fingers.
Personal life
James Hetfield can be called an exemplary family man. In 1997, he married the charming Francesca Tomasi, with whom he has been together ever since. The couple have three children: daughters Caylee and Marcella and son Castor.
James has been religious since childhood, so he did not set himself the task of raising children in a Christian or other manner. His goal has always been to raise worthy people. Although he was not a bright positive example, his children received a good education. It is known that Castor and Kylie try their hand at the movies.
In honor of his family, Hatfield got a tattoo of a glowing cross and hands folded in prayer. The tattoos are complemented by the impaled names of his children.
Voice problems
In 1991 and 2003, Hatfield had problems with his vocal cords. Both cases were related to the peculiarities of the compositions during recording. For the first time, the lead singer of Metallica lost his voice when he was recording the next album (The Black Album). Due to the injury, fellow musicians at concerts had to rebuild their guitars literally half a step lower. However, the songs did not lose their original sound from this.
In 2003, Hatfield faced the challenge of recording the St. Anger on low setting (Dropped C). In this case, it was necessary to literally “spit out” the words. As a result of such a musical experiment, the lead singer of Metallica received a serious injury to his vocal cords. Of course, gradually the voice returned to the musician. This is especially noticeable when comparing new live recordings with audio from the time.
Alcoholism
IN modern society there is a stereotype that all rock stars are addicted to alcohol or drugs. This is partly true. "Heavy" music, crazy, full of drive concerts and tireless creative search, experiments take a lot of energy, keep you in suspense. Therefore, musicians begin to look for a source for relaxation and recharging. The history of world music knows many such examples.
Problems alcohol addiction Metallica lead singer James Hetfield did not escape. True, in his case everything went well. During the intense recording of the same St. Anger in 2003, the musician voluntarily went to rehab for alcoholism. The course lasted 11 months. At this time, James managed to combine treatment with recording an album. After finishing rehab, he immediately stepped onto the red carpet to receive the MTV Icon of the Year award.
Accidents
In addition to the music that the lead singer of the Metallica group creates and performs, his name has also become famous for frequent accidents. So, for example, during the tour to promote the Master of Puppets album, James Hetfield broke his arm while riding a skateboard. Fortunately for the group, John Marshall was able to replace the soloist at the concerts. At the time, he was Metallica's tour guide.
In 1987, the skateboard incident was repeated. Then, for this reason, the band had to cancel the recording of the next album and several shows on the upcoming Monsters of Rock'87 tour. Of course, such accidents seriously hit the pockets of the entire Metallica team, so a special clause was entered into Hatfield's contract: "No skateboards."
However, the most serious and famous accident experienced by the Metallica lead singer (photo saved in the musician's archive) was burns from pyrotechnics during a concert in 1992. Then the group performed with Guns'n'Roses at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal. During the performance of another composition, James Hetfield went to the pyrotechnic equipment. A high column of fire (about four meters high) touched the left side of the musician's body. As it turned out later, before the concert, a team of pyrotechnicians prepared new special effects - fireworks on the sides of the stage. However, I forgot to warn about the work of old special effects in the central part of the edge of the stage. That is why Hatfield so confidently went in that direction, closer to the public. As a result, the musician seriously burned left hand and face. He had to give up performing and playing the guitar for a while. Rhythm guitarist John Marshall from the band Metal Church was again invited to take his place.
Guitar collection
What is the name of the lead singer of Metallica, today it is known, perhaps, to very many. However, hardly anyone knows that James Hetfield is the owner of a large collection of rare guitars. Many of them were donated to the musician.
Of course, the vast majority of them are electronic instruments, namely 31 guitars of famous music brands: Gibson Les Paul, ESP, Gretch. A real rarity in the collection is the "Fander Telecaster" 1952. According to Hatfield himself, his favorite is the gift King V "marked Kill Bon Jovi.
There are only two acoustic models in the collection.
Achievements
The name of the lead singer of Metallica consistently occupies a leading position in all music ratings over three decades. The group suddenly burst into world music and literally from the first notes won the hearts of millions of listeners. Of course, such dizzying success could not stay away from the evaluation of experienced critics and experts. Today, the Metallica collection (since 1990) has about two dozen awards. These are awards for the best metal performances, and marks for successful albums and compositions, and awards for the best metal video. For example, in 1996 Music band was awarded the title of the most beloved in the style of metal / hard rock, and frontman James Hetfield, respectively, was named the best performer. Also in 2009, Metallica was officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Despite the reputation of a loose guy and a noisy party-goer, the lead singer of Metallica is a very versatile person.
This is evidenced by a number of interesting facts: 
P.S.
What is the name of the lead singer of Metallica? This question has not caused difficulties for fans of "heavy" music and not only for a long time. A cult band with a cult frontman simply could not remain without public attention. as you can see, is a multifaceted person with an unusual fate and outlook. Perhaps it is these individuals who change and move this world forward. And perhaps, without such a leader, there would be no musical legend called Metallica, which still continues to live and amaze.
American musician and lead singer of the Metallica rock band James Hetfield is known to all rock lovers. According to Rolling Stone magazine, he is one of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time and ranks 87th in this ranking. Fans of the famous metal band are attracted by its frontman's strong sonorous voice of an unusual shade and captivating manner of communicating with the public. Choice of direction musical way and the behavior of James on stage was greatly influenced by the upbringing in the religious atmosphere of the family. His mother was opera singer Mary Baker Eddy, raising her son in the spirit of Christian Science, preaching healing from ailments with the power of her own consciousness. James Hetfield's wife, fortunately, has nothing to do with this faith.
They got married in 1997, when Metallica had already managed to gain a strong position on the world stage and after several years of living together: they simply registered their relationship, which became stable and lasting. According to some reports, Francesca Tomasi was the designer of the concert costumes for the band's musicians, and not an enthusiastic mindless fan. Convinced that their love had stood the test of time, the young people got married and in the summer of next year they had their first child: daughter Caylee Tee. The media showed an unprecedented interest in the daughter of James, who could not tear himself away from his wife and newborn. Instead of him, Lars Ulrich, the drummer and founding friend of the band, spoke to journalists.
The second in the Hatfield family was Castor Virgil, born in May 2000, and 2 years later, in January 2002, the youngest daughter of James and Francesca, Marcella Francesca, was born. By this time, the situation in the family was completely unbearable. James himself recalls this time as years of "total collapse", in which "drinking, drugs, promiscuous sex" reigned, which became a habit. His wife did not want to put up with such an attitude towards herself and her children: “She kicked me out,” the singer admitted in an interview: “And, thank God. She said then that I was sick and our children did not need such a father. And then out of fear of losing my family just like my father, I came to the only right decision.
James spent almost a year in a drug clinic and managed to stop on the brink, thanks to the protest of Francesca, who did not want to spoil the life of their family with silence and connivance. He does not use alcohol or drugs and not only is in the society of anonymous alcoholics, but also frankly talks about how he overcame his addictions in the media. Hatfield emphasizes that the family - main point and the love of his life, and he considers happiness the simple joys of home: walking the children to school and talking to their teachers, taking care of a sick wife and being family man. He continues his concert activity and Metallica is still popular with the public. And in huge house near San Francisco, James Hetfield's wife and children are always looking forward to his return.
“The first time I went on tour sober was five years ago. Feelings are amazing! I think everything, I remember everything, I see the eyes of people in the hall, and not a blurry spot, and, most importantly, I understand who I am and what I'm doing here!
The story of Metallica frontman James Hetfield, born in 1963 in Los Angeles, is a classic, and therefore predictable from the very beginning. Family divorce, mother's death, moving to a neighboring town, new school hence the absolute isolation and mutual misunderstanding with classmates. The meaning of life was found in the guitar and soon in the bottle. Young Jimi knocked over a stack or two before going on stage to cope with excitement and shaking in his hands, and after a few years his hands were shaking all the time. At concerts, libations took place in every pause between songs, which did not interfere with creative development. Shortly after the release of Kill'em All, a much more serious contract was signed than the group deserved at that time.
Twisted Sister leader Dee Snyder recalled with horror joint concerts with Metallica in the summer of 1984: “One of them broke his leg on a drunken bench, jumping from a hotel window into the pool, and the other at that time almost burned the whole hotel!”
Three impeccable albums and uninterrupted tours elevated Metallica to heights unattainable in the heavy genre. The rise was not stopped by the death of bassist Cliff Burton.
The loss only made Hatfield, Ulrich and Hammett continue with even greater zeal, and drink even larger doses. “James could easily blow out a bottle of vodka without getting out of bed,” said Lars Ulrich. - Just like that, with nothing to do. Then pick up a guitar and write a genius riff like Master of Puppets!”
With the onset of the 90s, the degree was slightly lowered. In creativity, too. Extreme was replaced by experiments: songs inspired by blues and country, a project with a symphony orchestra. In 2001, an avid hunter, James, skidded onto Far East. The bear added to the foreign tourist's collection on the very first day, and for the remaining two weeks he learned to drink Russian in a snowy dugout.
“From the drink was melted snow and vodka. We chose the second - no need to boil! When he returned, he went to a drug hospital, where it turned out that the rock star had a heap of schizophrenia. “A little more - and krants! Show at least one team that did not go through this! Another thing is that some people learn something, while others do not. Hatfield celebrated his 40th birthday with a glass of mineral water, proving that it is never too early to drink Borjomi and it is never too late for anyone. And he continues in the same spirit until now - with visits to a psychoanalyst.
drinking companions
LARS ULRICH
The founder of Metallica and Hatfield's drinking buddy recalls: “On tour, they drank so much that after the tour for three months they still met every morning with a bottle of champagne, or even something stronger. Or both at the same time!”
JIM MARTIN
"We were called Dr. H and M," Hatfield says of Faith No More's guitarist. - We all prescribed medicine: “Problems? Cough? The doctors will help!” One took out a glass, the other a bottle - and began to treat!
Ozzy Osbourne
James met his idol on tour, and in six months they drank more than one liter of vodka. Three years later, Ozzy visited Russia, after which he went to rehab. Hatfield was waiting for the same fate - however, much later. But Ozzy is older too!
Genius against drinking
1983 In anticipation of the recording of the debut album Kill'em All, the impresario provided the band with a roof for free (for nothing). But then he threw the musicians out into the street when they drank all the master's money and emptied the home bar, including the champagne that had been stored from the wedding day.
1984-1985 Metal Hammer magazine publishes pictures of Metallica with a two-meter inflatable Smirnoff bottle. But the photo session went down in history by no means as a sham dream of an alcoholic, but with its name - “Alcoholica”. So Hatfield and company called their team among themselves.
1986 Tour America with Ozzy. Hatfield tried not to hit the salad face in front of the childhood idol and Drunk with capital letter and with great experience. “We went on stage first, played for about an hour - and immediately to the hotel, to the bar,” Hatfield recalls. - By the time Ozzy returned, we had already managed to get drunk, oversleep and get drunk again!
1987-1991 The Metallica name is already rattling around the world. James receives real money for the first time, makes the first major purchases: cars, real estate. Daily purchases remain the same: Heineken, Jagermeister, Smirnoff. Alcoholism progresses along with success. Favorite drinks are included in the thank you lists on discs. The swollen faces of Hatfield & Co. And Justice for All's cover looks more like shots from a drug dispensary than from a number one metal band.
1992-2000 Metallica is the most successful metal band of all time. The quartet no longer advertise their friendship with the green serpent. But Hatfield's drinking situation is spiraling out of control.
2001-2008 For six months he ends up in a rehabilitation clinic. Which, by the way, comes as a big surprise to the rest of the Metallica musicians, who coped with the problems on their own. Metallica releases a great comeback album Death Magnetic.
2011-2016 Metallica members meet Lou Reed and record joint album Lulu, which puzzles the fans. Launches a line of guitars with Kirk Hammett. Preparing a new album and not drinking.
