View source for James Hetfield

{{Short description|American musician (born 1963)}}
{{Distinguish|James Hatfield}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = James Hetfield
| image             = 2024-07-12 DSC03974.jpg
| alt               = 
| caption           = Hetfield performing with [[Metallica]] in 2024
| birth_name        = James Alan Hetfield
| birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1963|08|03}}
| birth_place       = [[Downey, California]], U.S.
| instrument        = {{hlist|Guitar|vocals}}
| genre             = {{hlist||[[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]]|[[thrash metal]]|[[hard rock]]}}
| occupation        = {{hlist|Musician|songwriter|actor}}
| years_active      = 1978–present
| current_member_of = [[Metallica]]
| past_member_of    = {{hlist|Spastik Children|[[Leather Charm]]}}
| spouse            = {{marriage|Francesca Tomasi|1997|2022|end=div}}
| website           = 
}}
'''James Alan Hetfield''' (born August 3, 1963) is an American musician. He is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, co-founder, and a primary songwriter of [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band [[Metallica]]. He is mainly known for his raspy voice and intricate rhythm playing, but occasionally performs lead guitar duties and solos both live and in studio. Hetfield co-founded Metallica in October 1981 after answering an advertisement by drummer [[Lars Ulrich]] in the Los Angeles newspaper ''[[The Recycler]]''. Metallica has won ten [[Grammy Award]]s<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metallica.com/news/2024-02-04-72-seasons-wins-grammy-for-best-metal-performance.html |title=72 Seasons Wins Grammy for Best Metal Performance |website=www.metallica.com |date=2024-02-04 |access-date=2025-03-04}}</ref> and released 11 studio albums, three live albums, four extended plays, and 24 singles. Hetfield is often regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal rhythm guitar players of all time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetoptens.com/music/best-rhythm-guitarists/|title=Best Rhythm Guitarists|work=The Top Tens|access-date=8 March 2023}}</ref>

In 2009, Hetfield was ranked at No. 8 in [[Joel McIver]]'s book ''The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/im-over-my-metallica-demons-says-dave-mustaine|title='I'm Over My Metallica Demons,' Says Dave Mustaine|publisher=Classic Rock|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716074823/http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/im-over-my-metallica-demons-says-dave-mustaine/|archive-date=July 16, 2011}}</ref> and No. 24 by [[Hit Parader]] on their list of the ''100 Greatest Metal Vocalists of All Time''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AmIAnnoying.com{{Snd}} Hit Parader's Top 100 Heavy Metal Vocalists of All Time|url=http://www.amiannoying.com/(S(vkva4jnshngjpmoofyreugih))/collection.aspx?collection=7164|access-date=2020-06-30|website=amiannoying.com}}</ref> In [[Guitar World]]'s poll, Hetfield was placed as the 19th greatest guitarist of all time,<ref>{{Cite web|last=October 2012|first=Guitar World Staff 10|title=Readers Poll Results: The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/readers-poll-results-100-greatest-guitarists-all-time|access-date=2020-06-30|website=guitarworld|language=en}}</ref> as well as being placed second (along with Metallica lead guitarist [[Kirk Hammett]]) in ''The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists'' poll of the same magazine.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Blabbermouth|date=2004-01-23|title=GUITAR WORLD's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists Of All Time|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guitar-world-s-100-greatest-heavy-metal-guitarists-of-all-time/|access-date=2020-06-30|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET}}</ref> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' placed him along with bandmate Kirk Hammett as the 23rd greatest guitarist of all time.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2023-10-13 |title=The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-guitarists-1234814010/ |access-date=2023-10-14 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Early life==
Hetfield was born on August 3, 1963,<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web |url=http://www.netglimse.com/celebs/pages/james_hetfield/index.shtml |title=James Hetfield Biography, Bio, Profile, pictures, photos from |publisher=Netglimse.com |access-date=November 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419172450/http://www.netglimse.com/celebs/pages/james_hetfield/index.shtml |archive-date=April 19, 2014 }}</ref> in [[Downey, California]], the son of Cynthia Bassett (''[[née]]'' Nourse), a [[light opera]] singer, and Virgil Lee Hetfield, a truck driver.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/w/a/t/Analee-Maria-Watts-CA/GENE4-0001.html |title=Family Tree Maker's Genealogy Site: Genealogy Report: Ancestors of James Alan Hetfield |publisher=Familytreemaker.genealogy.com |date=August 3, 1963 |access-date=July 29, 2014}}</ref> He is of English, German, Irish, and Scottish descent.<ref>{{cite web |title=James Hetfield, Metallica |url=https://spoki.lv/slavenibas/James-Hetfield-Metallica/11906 |website=Spoki |date=June 21, 2008 |access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Erel |first1=Eray |title=Who is Metallica's James Hetfield? {{!}} James Hetfield's Life in 9 Items |url=https://www.metalcastle.net/who-is-james-hetfield/ |website=Metal Castle |access-date=30 September 2020 |date=11 July 2019}}</ref> He has two older half-brothers from his mother's first marriage and one younger sister. His parents divorced in 1976 when Hetfield was 13. They were strict [[Christian Science|Christian Scientists]], and in accordance with their beliefs, they strongly disapproved of medicine or any other medical treatment and remained loyal to their faith, even as Cynthia was dying from cancer. This upbringing became the inspiration for many of Hetfield's lyrics during his career with Metallica, most notably in the songs "[[Dyers Eve]]" and "[[The God That Failed (song)|The God That Failed]]" from ''[[...And Justice for All (album)|...And Justice for All]]'' and ''[[Metallica (album)|Metallica]]'' respectively. Cynthia died of cancer in February 1980, when Hetfield was 16 years old. After the death of his mother, Hetfield went to live with his older half-brother David. Virgil died in early 1996, before the release of Metallica's ''[[Load (album)|Load]]''.<ref>[http://www.ilikethat.com/metallica/interviews_playboy.cfm Playboy Interview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925003734/http://www.ilikethat.com/metallica/interviews_playboy.cfm |date=September 25, 2012 }}. Ilikethat.com. Retrieved November 5, 2010.</ref> Hetfield attended [[Downey High School]] for his freshman and sophomore years<ref>{{cite web|url=http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/05/27/exclusive-metallicas-james-hetfield-inducted-into-downey-high-hall-of-fame/ |title=Exclusive: Metallica's James Hetfield Inducted Into Downey High Hall Of Fame « CBS Los Angeles |publisher=Losangeles.cbslocal.com |date=May 27, 2011 |access-date=July 29, 2014}}</ref> and graduated from [[Brea Olinda High School]] in 1981.

Hetfield was nine years old when he first began piano lessons, after which he took on his half-brother David's drums and finally, at the age of 14, he began to play guitar with Robert Okner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://geocities.com/james7hetfield/bio2.htm |title=Biography |date=October 27, 2009 |access-date=November 11, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091027102500/http://geocities.com/james7hetfield/bio2.htm |archive-date = October 27, 2009}}</ref> He was also in a few bands as a teenager{{Snd}} one being [[Leather Charm]], and another, Obsession. Hetfield identifies [[Aerosmith]] as having been his main musical influence as a child,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20091005021451/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5939967/james_hetfield_the_rolling_stone_interview/4 Search Articles, Artists, Reviews, Videos, Music and Movies]. Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 5, 2010.</ref> and has said they were the reason he wanted to play guitar.

==Career==
[[File:James Hetfield live in London 2008-09-15 2.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Hetfield in 2008]]
In the early days of the band, Metallica experimented with a few different vocal and guitar combinations, essentially creating a setup similar to that of British metal band [[Diamond Head (English band)|Diamond Head]], another major influence on Hetfield. Some of the options considered included adding another guitar player, having John Roads play lead guitar, as well as asking [[John Bush (singer)|John Bush]] from [[Armored Saint]] (who later joined [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]]) to sing for the band. The finalized line-up of the band became Hetfield (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), [[Lars Ulrich]] (drums), [[Dave Mustaine]] (lead guitar), and [[Ron McGovney]] (bass), who was soon replaced by [[Cliff Burton]]. Hetfield referred to their early sound as [[power metal]]. The term "[[thrash metal]]" was first used when ''[[Kerrang]]'' journalist [[Malcolm Dome]] described the Anthrax song "[[Metal Thrashing Mad]]" in an issue of ''Kerrang'' in February 1984.<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Dome | first1 = Malcolm | title = Kerrang! | chapter = Anthrax 'Fistful of Metal' | volume = 62 | publisher = Spotlight Publications Ltd. | date = February 23, 1984 | location = London, UK | page = 8 | title-link = Kerrang! }}</ref>

From 1982 to 1983, Mustaine's aggressive behavior and [[alcohol abuse|drinking problems]] led to mounting tensions between himself and Hetfield.<ref name=btmmegadeth>{{Cite episode |title= Behind the Music: Megadeth |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0520959/%7CBehind |series=Behind the Music |network=VH1 |airdate=2001}}</ref> Mustaine once poured beer onto McGovney's bass.<ref name=btmmegadeth/> On April 1, 1983, the band recruited lead guitarist [[Kirk Hammett]] from the band [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]], and 10 days later, Hetfield and Ulrich officially fired Mustaine from the band due to his erratic indifference.<ref name=btmmegadeth/><ref>[http://www.metallica.com/timeline.asp?page=events&n_categoryid=807&year=1983?sPosx=41 Metallica.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302035525/http://www.metallica.com/timeline.asp?page=events&n_categoryid=807&year=1983%3FsPosx%3D41 |date=March 2, 2010 }}. Metallica.com. Retrieved November 5, 2010.</ref> Mustaine was sent home on a four-day bus journey from New York to Los Angeles, and went on to form the [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band [[Megadeth]].

Since the recording of ''[[Load (album)|Load]]'', Hammett has been recording rhythm guitars as well. Hetfield occasionally plays guitar solos on songs such as "[[Nothing Else Matters]]", "My Friend of Misery", "Just a Bullet Away", the outro solo on "The Outlaw Torn", the second solo on "To Live Is to Die", the first solo on "Suicide and Redemption", the first solo on "[[Master of Puppets (song)|Master of Puppets]]", and the harmonized solo on "Orion". He also writes the majority of the guitar harmonies, as well as writing the lyrics, vocal melodies, and co-arranging the songs with Ulrich.

Hetfield was involved in an on-stage accident at [[Olympic Stadium (Montreal)|Olympic Stadium]] in Montreal during the [[Guns N' Roses/Metallica Stadium Tour]] on August 8, 1992. During the song "Fade to Black", a pyrotechnic charge reacted. Hetfield's guitar protected him from the full force of the blast, but it struck his left side, burning his hand, arm, eyebrows, face and hair. He suffered second and third-degree burns, but was back on stage 17 days later, although his guitar duties were delegated to former guitar tech and [[Metal Church]] guitarist [[John Marshall (guitarist)|John Marshall]] for four weeks while he made a full recovery.<ref>{{cite news | first= David | last= Peisner | title= Rock Stars Who've Caught Fire Onstage! | date= February 2007 | work= Blender Magazine | url= http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?ID=2529&src=blender_ed | access-date= February 27, 2007 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184227/http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?ID=2529&src=blender_ed | archive-date= September 30, 2007 }}</ref>

Hetfield also suffered a broken arm a number of times while skateboarding, which prevented him from playing guitar on stage, and subsequently caused Hetfield's management company, [[Q Prime]], to put a clause in Hetfield's contract forbidding him to ride a skateboard while Metallica was touring.<ref>[http://www.musicfanclubs.org/metallica/jaymz.htm Music Fan Clubs Metallica – Metallica > The Band > James Hetfield]. Musicfanclubs.org (August 3, 1963). Retrieved November 5, 2010.</ref> During a live performance on tour for ''Metallica'', Hetfield experienced complications with his vocals after performing a cover of the [[Anti-Nowhere League]] song "[[So What? (Anti-Nowhere League song)|So What?]]", forcing him to take vocal lessons for the first time. He did basic warm-up exercises to piano keys with his vocal coach, who also gave him a cassette tape of the piano warm-up for future use. Hetfield still uses the same cassette he was given in the early 1990s to this day before any live performance or any recording Metallica does. Hetfield talks about his vocal training endeavors in the Metallica documentary film, ''[[Metallica: Some Kind of Monster]]'', produced and directed by [[Joe Berlinger]] and [[Bruce Sinofsky]].<ref name="metallica.com">[http://www.metallica.com/Media/Video/dvd.asp?dvd_id=8 Metallica.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121075128/http://metallica.com/Media/Video/dvd.asp?dvd_id=8 |date=January 21, 2009 }}. Metallica.com (January 25, 2005). Retrieved November 5, 2010.</ref>

During the recording of the band's eighth studio album ''[[St. Anger]]'' in 2001, Hetfield went into [[Substance-abuse rehabilitation|rehab]] to address his alcohol usage. He rejoined the band after seven months in rehab and four months recovering with his family. His health problems are featured in ''Some Kind of Monster''.<ref name="metallica.com"/> ''Some Kind of Monster'' also shows the making of the ''St. Anger'' album, and documents the various conflicts and issues the band were facing at the time including the departure of [[Jason Newsted]], alcoholism, family commitments, and the future of the band.

Hetfield and Metallica recruited [[Ozzy Osbourne]] bassist [[Robert Trujillo]]. Osbourne replaced him with Jason Newsted shortly after Trujillo's transfer. The new line-up has continued to make music and tour worldwide. Metallica's ninth studio album, ''[[Death Magnetic]]'', was released on September 12, 2008. Like ''St. Anger'' and every album of original material released by Metallica since 1991's ''Metallica'', ''Death Magnetic'' went to #1 on the Billboard charts in over 30 countries during its first week of release.<ref>[http://uk.music.ign.com/articles/906/906286p1.html Metallica – "My Apocalypse" Review – Music Review at IGN] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080901020547/http://uk.music.ign.com/articles/906/906286p1.html |date=September 1, 2008 }}. Uk.music.ign.com (August 28, 2008). Retrieved November 5, 2010.</ref>

On April 4, 2009, Hetfield, along with remaining Metallica members Ulrich, Hammett, Trujillo, as well as former bassist Newsted, and the deceased Cliff Burton (who was represented by his father), were inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web| title=Metallica: inducted in 2009 |url=http://www.rockhall.com/inductees/metallica | publisher=Rock And Roll Hall of Fame |date=February 2007 |access-date=February 24, 2010}}</ref> In an interview after their nomination, Hetfield commented that everyone who had appeared on an album with the band would be inducted. This excluded original guitarist [[Dave Mustaine]] and original bassist [[Ron McGovney]], as both had appeared only on the band's early demo tapes. Hetfield and the rest of Metallica, including Newsted, performed "[[Master of Puppets (song)|Master of Puppets]]" and "[[Enter Sandman]]" to end the ceremony.

==Playing style==
Hetfield has been called "The King of [[Downpicking]]" for his right-hand picking speed by [[Annihilator (band)|Annihilator]] guitarist [[Jeff Waters]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Waters|first=Jeff|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI5rp-Xg6ho|title=Annihilator Interview Warmup-Riffs|publisher=Metal Hammer Germany|date=January 20, 2011|accessdate=January 4, 2018}}</ref> He has explained he holds the pick with his thumb, index and middle fingers, rather than just the thumb and index, citing additional stability he gains by it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/metallicas_james_hetfield_explains_unusual_way_he_holds_guitar_pick_reveals_how_many_picks_he_goes_through_per_show.html|title=Metallica's James Hetfield Explains Unusual Way He Holds Guitar Pick, Reveals How Many Picks He Goes Through Per Show|website=www.ultimate-guitar.com}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:James Hetfield 2004.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Hetfield backstage at the [[Big Day Out]] 2004]]
Hetfield married Francesca Tomasi on August 17, 1997, and together they have three children. He currently resides in [[Vail, Colorado]], citing a "multitude of reasons" for moving there, including it being his ex-wife's childhood hometown, the natural beauty, and the quiet environment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/James-Hetfield-moved-to-quiet-Colorado-to-10808564.php|title=James Hetfield moved to 'quiet' Colorado to enjoy outdoors, escape 'elitist' Bay Area attitudes|author=Pereira, Alyssa|work=San Francisco Chronicle|date=December 21, 2016|access-date=December 22, 2016}}</ref> During an interview on [[NPR]]'s ''[[Fresh Air]]'', Hetfield stated that his ex-wife had helped him to mature and learn to deal with his anger issues more constructively, explaining that after they met, his destructive tendencies embarrassed both of them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4469978|title=Metallica's James Hetfield on Rock and Therapy|website=NPR.org |date=January 28, 2005}}</ref> Hetfield filed for divorce in 2022 citing irreconcilable differences.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metallica Frontman James Hetfield Files for Divorce After 25 Years |url=https://www.tmz.com/2022/08/13/metallica-frontman-james-hetfield-files-divorce-25-years/ |access-date=2022-08-13 |website=TMZ |date=August 13, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> He is currently in a relationship with Adriana Gillet.<ref>{{cite web | last=Singh | first=Ritika | title=Who Is James Hetfield's Girlfriend? Adriana Gillett's Job & Relationship History | website=ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More | date=2024-11-05 | url=https://www.comingsoon.net/guides/news/1873504-james-hetfield-girlfriend-adriana-gillett-job-relationship-history | access-date=2025-08-01}}</ref>

Hetfield's son Castor is also a musician, playing for the [[Savannah, Georgia]]-based band Bastardane as their drummer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trapp |first=Philip|title=Bastardane, Feat. James Hetfield's Son Castor, Announce Mini-Tour |url=https://loudwire.com/bastardane-tour-dates-spring-2022-james-hetfield-son-metallica/ |access-date=2022-08-13 |website=Loudwire |date=May 9, 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

Hetfield has struggled with [[substance abuse]] and [[addiction]] at various points throughout his life. In 2001, he entered a [[Drug rehabilitation|rehab]] program (documented in the film ''[[Metallica: Some Kind of Monster]]''), and by early 2002, he began maintaining total [[abstinence]] from alcohol.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wiederhorn|first=Jon|title=Metallica's James Hetfield Calls Rehab Challenging, Gratifying|work=[[MTV]]|date=21 February 2002|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1452494/20020221/metallica.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020608175400/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1452494/20020221/metallica.jhtml|archive-date=8 June 2002}}</ref> In a 2010 interview with ''So What!'', the official magazine of Metallica's fan club, Hetfield stated that he is a "reborn [[straight edge]]".<ref name="straightedge">Interview with James Hetfield about his new straight edge tattoo in ''So What!'' magazine</ref> However, in 2019, Hetfield once again entered rehab, forcing Metallica to cancel their Australia/New Zealand leg of the [[WorldWired Tour]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/metallica-cancel-tour-james-hetfield-rehab-892158/|title=Metallica Cancel Tour as James Hetfield Returns to Rehab|first1=Daniel|last1=Kreps|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=September 28, 2019}}</ref> Hetfield made his first public appearance since leaving rehab at the [[Petersen Automotive Museum]] reception on January 30, 2020.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/james-hetfield-museum-first-appearance-rehab-946077/|title=James Hetfield Makes First Public Appearance Since Rehab Return|first1=Daniel|last1=Kreps|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=January 31, 2020}}</ref>

Hetfield enjoys a variety of activities, most notably [[hunting]]; [[Agriculture|farming]] and [[beekeeping]]; [[Car tuning|customizing cars and motorcycles in his garage]]; watching the [[Las Vegas Raiders]], the [[San Francisco Giants]], and the [[San Jose Sharks]]; and attending [[hot rod]] shows.<ref name="ReferenceA">[https://metallica.com/band/members Metallica.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119225356/https://metallica.com/band/members |date=January 19, 2016 }}. Metallica.com (August 3, 1963). Retrieved November 5, 2010.</ref> He put his 1968 [[Chevrolet Camaro]] up for sale on [[eBay]], with the proceeds going to a Music for Schools program.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=15681|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910225841/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=15681|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 10, 2012|title=Metallica News|date=October 23, 2003|publisher=blabbermouth.net|access-date=August 21, 2009}}</ref> The car was used in the video for "[[I Disappear]]" and was given to him as a gift upon the video's completion. "Slowburn", his 1936 Auburn boat tail speedster, won the 2010 [[Goodguys Rod & Custom Association|Goodguys]] West Coast Custom of the Year.

Hetfield has a number of [[Tattoo|tattoos]], including one which shows flames encasing four playing cards{{Snd}} ace (1), 9, 6, and 3{{Snd}} representing the year of his birth, and the words "[[Carpe Diem]]" ("seize the day"). The flames on the tattoo are in reference to the pyrotechnic accident which he suffered in 1992 during a concert in [[Montreal]].<ref>S&M DVD special features interview</ref> He has tattooed an "M" and "81" on his right hand for "Metallica" and the year Metallica was founded, 1981, and an "F" on his left hand for "Francesca", which has since been turned into "Forgiven". He also has some Christian tattoos, including [[Cross|crosses]] and one of [[Jesus]] on his right arm. He has a tattoo of two razors forming the [[Straight edge#X symbol|straight edge X symbol]] on his left wrist.<ref name="straightedge"/>

The first single Hetfield ever bought was "[[Sweet Home Alabama]]" by [[Lynyrd Skynyrd]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/950605/metallica-the-billboard-cover-story|title=Metallica: The Billboard Cover Story|first=Mikael|last=Wood|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> He was featured in a documentary called ''Absent'', directed by [[Justin Hunt (filmmaker)|Justin Hunt]], which takes a look at the effects of absent fathers on their children and the "father wound" that they leave behind.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20121230212356/http://www.rockvillemusicmagazine.com/2010/08/james-hetfield-featured-in-absent.html RMM: James Hetfield featured in ABSENT documentary, exclusive interview with director Justin Hunt]}}. Rockvillemusicmagazine.com (August 25, 2010). Retrieved April 21, 2011.</ref><ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110408000119/http://www.rockvillemusicmagazine.com/2011/03/james-hetfield-interview-with-filmmaker.html RMM: James Hetfield Interview with Filmmaker Justin Hunt: The Fight For Fatherhood]}}. Rockvillemusicmagazine.com. Retrieved April 21, 2011.</ref><ref name="rockvillemusicmagazine.com">{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110802075258/http://www.rockvillemusicmagazine.com/2011/03/james-hetfield-to-appear-on-fox-and.html RMM: James Hetfield to Appear on FOX and Friends with Filmmaker Justin Hunt]}}. Rockvillemusicmagazine.com (March 28, 2011). Retrieved April 21, 2011.</ref>

Hetfield has expressed his [[Apoliticism|disdain for politics]] and celebrities who "[[soapbox]] their opinions", stating that "for us, people are people{{Snd}} you should all have your own opinion".<ref>Harris, Chris. (August 4, 2008) [https://web.archive.org/web/20110610031557/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1592036/metallica-tackle-forgiveness-resentment-new-video.jhtml Metallica Tackle Forgiveness, Resentment In 'The Day That Never Comes' Clip – Music, Celebrity, Artist News]. MTV. Retrieved April 21, 2011.</ref> In 2007, Metallica performed at London's [[Live Earth concert, London|Live Earth concert]]. When Hetfield was asked for his thoughts on [[climate change]], he responded by saying:

{{cquote|I really avoided the press around the Live Earth day. I didn't quite agree with what was going on there. Politics drive me crazy, and I don't like talking politics. Politics get in the way of things; they get in the way of getting things done, and getting our music across is what we wanna do{{Snd}} we don't wanna cloud it with Democrat, Republican, whatever. Our philosophy is 'think for yourself' at the end of the day{{Snd}} do what you think feels right. I really believe that humans will survive. I have a lot of faith in mankind that we will overcome and adapt{{Snd}} whatever it is; whether it's man-made or God-made, or Earth/Mother Nature{{Snd}} we have a lot of smart people on this planet that will make something good out of bad.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/BLABBERMOUTH.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=76770 |title=JAMES HETFIELD Says METALLICA Is Focusing on Feeling Around 'Master of Puppets' For New CD |date=July 14, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612022938/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=76770 |archive-date=June 12, 2010 }}</ref>}}

In 2008, responding to the use of Metallica's music to torture Iraqi prisoners, Hetfield was unoffended and replied, "If the Iraqis aren't used to freedom, then I'm glad to be part of their exposure."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Clive Stafford |date=18 June 2008 |title=Welcome to 'the disco' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jun/19/usa.guantanamo |access-date=31 July 2024 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> British band [[Chumbawamba]] subsequently released a song called "Torturing James Hetfield" in response.<ref name=Spiral>{{Cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100307042902/http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/attitude/editors_chumba_1.asp |url=http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/attitude/editors_chumba_1.asp |title=Chumbawamba |author=|url-status=dead |archive-date=2010-03-07 |website=[[Spiral Earth]] |date=February 22, 2010 |access-date=December 9, 2016 |quote=...&nbsp;James Hetfield comes out and says he's proud their music has been used to torture Guantanamo prisoners. 'It represents something that they don't like—maybe freedom, aggression&nbsp;... I don't know&nbsp;... Freedom of speech.' Although he thinks music and politics don't mix{{Snd}} obviously. So writing a song about torturing James Hetfield with Chumbawamba's music was irresistible.}}</ref> In a 2017 interview, Hetfield reaffirmed his previous stance, saying, "I'm honored my country is using something to help us stay safe, if they are. But then again, once the music is out, I don't have control over that. Just like how someone's giving it away online. They're using it to do what they do."<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 3, 2017 |title=JAMES HETFIELD Is 'Honored' METALLICA's Music Was Used By U.S. Military To 'Help Us Stay Safe' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/james-hetfield-is-honored-metallica-music-was-used-by-us-military-to-help-us-stay-safe |access-date=July 31, 2024 |website=Blabbermouth}}</ref>

==Equipment==
===Guitars===
Hetfield has been a major endorser of [[ESP Guitars]] since the 1980s, and is best known for playing custom-made [[Gibson Explorer|Explorer]]-style guitars with an [[EMG 81]]/[[EMG 60]] set for [[Pick up (music technology)|pickups]] and since then he has his own signature EMG JH pickups.<ref name="YouTube">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/lc1FMJvNXCg/|title=''James Hetfield of Metallica talks about getting his signature tone with EMGtv'' |publisher=YouTube |access-date=October 18, 2019}}</ref> Hetfield's main guitar from the early days was a [[Flying V]] copy made in Japan by Electra, which was modified with a [[Seymour Duncan]] Invader (SH-8) pickup and used almost exclusively until 1984 when he switched to the [[Gibson Explorer]] model.

During the mid-1990s, [[ESP Guitars|ESP]] produced the first of his [[ESP James Hetfield|signature model guitars]]. To date, Hetfield has had six signature guitars with the company. However, Hetfield often uses guitars from [[Gibson Guitars|Gibson]] and other companies instead of ESP despite his endorsement.

Some of Hetfield's guitars over the years have included:
<!-- Do not add guitars to this list unless reliably sourced -->
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
! scope="col" | Date purchased
! scope="col" | Guitar & "''motto''"
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Note
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}}
|-
| Unknown
| [[Gibson SG]] Standard (1969 model)
| Hetfield purchased the guitar from a mutual member of the schools jazz band.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG">{{cite web|url=https://www.groundguitar.com/james-hetfield-guitars-and-gear/|title=Metallica's James Hetfield's Guitars and Gear from the book ''The Art of James Hetfield'' |publisher=Ground Guitar |access-date=October 18, 2019}}</ref>
|-
| 1980
| [[Electra Guitars|Electra]] [[Flying V]]
| Purchased for $200 in 1980 and used on ''[[Kill 'Em All]]''. Broke in 1984 and restored in 2008.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| 1984
| [[Gibson Explorer]]{{Snd}} "So What"
| First used on ''[[Ride the Lightning]]''. Also restored in 2008 for the Death Magnetic album.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| 1984
| [[Gibson Explorer]]{{Snd}} "More Beer"
| Hetfield's back-up guitar from 1984 to 1988.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| 1985
| [[Jackson King V]] Custom{{Snd}} "Kill Bon Jovi"
| Used during the recording of ''[[Master of Puppets]]'' and sporadically during the ''[[Damage, Inc. Tour]]'' in 1986/87.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| 1987
| [[ESP Guitars|ESP MX220]]{{Snd}} "Eet Fuk"
| Hetfield's first ESP and used during the ''[[...And Justice for All (album)|And Justice For All]]'' period.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| 1987
| ESP MX220{{Snd}} "So Fucking What"
| As with his Gibson Explorer{{Snd}} "''More Beer''", this was Hetfield's back-up to the ESP MX220{{Snd}} "''Eet Fuk''" model.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| 1988
| ESP MX220{{Snd}} "Fuk Em Up"
| Hetfield purchased his 3rd ESP in 1988 and while identical to his previous two guitars, this model was all black.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| Unknown
| [[ESP Explorer |ESP Explorer Double Neck]]
| Hetfield used this guitar during live performances of ''[[Fade to Black (Metallica song)|Fade to Black]]'' and can be seen during the music video for the song.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| Unknown
| [[Gibson EDS-1275|Gibson EDS-1275 Double Neck]]
| Seen during the music video for ''[[Nothing Else Matters]]''. Like a stock guitar.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| Unknown
| [[Danelectro|Danelectro/Coral Electric Sitar]]
| Hetfield used this during the recording of ''[[Wherever I May Roam]]'' from the ''[[The Black Album (Metallica Album)|Black Album]]''.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| 1996
| ESP MX250{{Snd}} "Elk Skull"
| Used during the ''Load'' period as one of his main live guitars and was painted by artist Dino Muradian.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| 1996
| [[Ken Lawrence Instruments|Ken Lawrence Explorer]]
| Custom-made by Ken Lawrence, Hetfield is known to have more than one including a double-neck model.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| 1996
| ESP Flying V JH-1
| Designed and built by Matt Masciandaro, Hetfield had two of these guitars. One had red flames, the other one had green.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| 1996
| ESP JH-2
| Essentially a port over from his previous guitars, Hetfield's again had two different versions.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| 1996
| [[Fender Telecaster |Fender Telecaster '52 Reissue]] with B-Bender
| A mid 1990s reissue of the 1952 Fender Telecaster, this guitar was used to record the intro on "[[The Unforgiven II]]".
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| 1998
| [[ESP Eclipse |ESP Eclipse Custom/JH-3]]
| With artwork designed by Hetfield, all the hardware is gold-plated and the guitar is still used live occasionally.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| Unknown
| [[Gibson SG|1963 Gibson SG/Les Paul Standard]]
| A gift from Bob Rock, Hetfield used this guitar in the "''[[Garage Inc.|Turn the Page]]''" music video.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| 2003
| [[Gibson Explorer]]{{Snd}} "Rusty"
| This guitar was used during the ''[[St. Anger]]'' era, both in the studio as well as on tour.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| Unknown
| [[Gibson Les Paul]] Custom
| Also used around the ''[[St. Anger]]'' period, this guitar was manufactured in 1973.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| Unknown
| [[LTD Guitars|LTD H-307]]
| This guitar was used to record ''[[Some Kind of Monster (song)|Some Kind of Monster]]''.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| Unknown
| ESP/LTD Baritone Viper{{Snd}} "The Grynch"
| Black with green flames, this guitar was used live for songs with [[Drop D tuning]].
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| Unknown
| [[ESP Truckster]]
| Released in 2008, this ESP guitar was another Hetfield signature model.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| Unknown
| ESP Iron Cross
| This guitar has been used live extensively since 2008 and is inspired by his 1973 Gibson Les Paul.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| Unknown
| ESP/LTD Snakebyte
| A recent Hetfield addition, it is equipped with a set of ''James Hetfield'' signature pickups.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
| 2016
| ESP Vulture
| Hetfield has been using this guitar since 2016 and it can be seen on their [[Instagram]] and [[YouTube]] channels.
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GG"/>
|-
|}

<gallery>
File:ESP Iron Cross James Hetfield 2014 Electric Guitar w case (1).JPG|ESP Iron Cross Snow White James Hetfield Signature
File:JamesHetfield2012.jpg|Playing the ESP/LTD Snakebyte
File:James Hetfield's Eet Fuk Guitar - at Metallica's 30th Aniversay Concert, San Francisco (Filmore, December 6th, 2011).jpg|''Eet Fuk'' Guitar
File:JamesHetfield Metallica MarcelaFae.jpg|A yellow and black Iron Cross
</gallery>

===Amplifiers and cabinets===
Throughout Metallica's career, Hetfield has used a wide range of [[amplifier]]s. For the first two albums, he used [[Marshall Amplification|Marshall]] heads and cabinets, with occasional effects. The specific Marshall that he used for ''Kill 'Em All'' was stolen after a concert prior to the recording of ''Ride the Lightning''; Hetfield was upset by the theft, as his mother had helped him purchase the amplifier before her death. In 1985, for the recording of ''[[Master of Puppets]]'', he and [[Kirk Hammett]] each bought a [[Mesa/Boogie]] Mark IIC+ amplifier (the preamp sections of which were connected to Marshall power amplifiers), and since then he has mostly used Mesa/Boogies, including the Triaxis and Rectifier models. Around the time of ''[[St. Anger]]'', Hetfield began using the [[Diezel|Diezel VH4]] head. The majority of his clean tones come from a [[Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Guitar Amplifier]], although many different amplifiers have been used over the years.

In December 2011, it was announced by Fortin Amps that they would team up with [[Randall Amplifiers]] to start a new line of tube amplifiers based on the Fortin Meathead amplifier. [[Kirk Hammett]] currently has two prototypes, and Hetfield will eventually be receiving one.

The amplifiers currently used on tour by Hetfield are:
* [[Mesa/Boogie]] TriAxis [[preamp]] (x4)
* Mesa/Boogie Simul-Class 2:90 power amp (x2)
* Mesa/Boogie [[Triple Rectifier]] heads
* [[Diezel|Diezel VH4]] heads
* Mesa/Boogie 4x12 cabinets with [[Celestion|Celestion V30]] speakers in [[Isolation cabinet (guitar)|isolation cabinets]]
* [[Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Guitar Amplifier|Roland JC-120]] combo amplifiers

===Effects===
To avoid problems with pedals being damaged during live performances, Hetfield keeps his effect pedals in a rack along with his amplifiers and his guitar technician controls them through a pedalboard sidestage. The pedal controller allows him to change between different effect pedals and amplifiers.

Hetfield's live rig in 2008 included:

{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
* [[TC Electronic]] G-Major
* [[Line 6 (company)|Line 6]] DM4
* [[Mesa/Boogie]] Custom Graphic EQ
* [[MXR]] Phase 100
* ATI NanoAmp SUM 100
* Klon Centaur
* [[Boss Corporation|Boss]] NS-2 Noise Suppressor
{{col-2}}
* Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro
* Voodoo Lab GCX Audio Switcher (x2)
* Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus
* [[Dbx, Inc.|DBX]] 1074 Quad Gate
* [[Behringer]] Multigate Pro
{{col-end}}

In 2010, a [[Line 6 (company)|Line 6]] [[effects unit]] was added to the list, along with the TC Electronic unit, perhaps indicating that this had replaced his stompboxes.

===Accessories===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
* [[Ernie Ball]] Power Slinky strings (.11–.48)
* [[Dunlop Manufacturing|Dunlop]] James Hetfield Black Fang 1.14&nbsp;mm picks
* 3" Levy's Straps
* Peterson Strobe 420 Tuner
* [[EMG, Inc.|EMG]] JH Het Set
* [[Shure]] UR-4D Wireless Equipment
* Furman AR Pro Power Conditioner
{{col-end}}
In addition, Hetfield uses [[Shure]] Super 55 microphones for vocals.

==Discography==
===Metallica===
{{Main|Metallica discography}}
* ''[[Kill 'Em All]]'' (1983)
* ''[[Ride the Lightning]]'' (1984)
* ''[[Master of Puppets]]'' (1986)
* ''[[...And Justice for All (album)|...And Justice for All]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Metallica (album)|Metallica]]'' (1991)
* ''[[Load (album)|Load]]'' (1996)
* ''[[Reload (Metallica album)|Reload]]'' (1997)
* ''[[St. Anger]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Death Magnetic]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Hardwired... to Self-Destruct]]'' (2016)
* ''[[72 Seasons]]'' (2023)

==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ Film
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Role
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref(s)|Reference}}
|-
| 1992
| ''{{sort|Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica|[[A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica]]}}''
| Himself
| Documentary film
| 
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Metallica: Some Kind of Monster]]''
| Himself
| Documentary film
| 
|-
| 2006
| ''{{sort|Darwin Awards|[[The Darwin Awards (film)|The Darwin Awards]]}}''
| Himself
| Feature film
| 
|-
| 2013
| ''[[Metallica: Through the Never]]''
| Himself
| Concert film
| 
|-
| 2019
| ''[[Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile]]''
| Bob Hayward
| Feature film
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|url=https://deadline.com/2018/02/metallicas-james-hetfield-ted-bundy-extremely-wicked-shockingly-evil-and-vile-1202286358/|title=Metallica's James Hetfield Boards Voltage's 'Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, And Vile'|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 12, 2018|access-date=June 5, 2018}}</ref><ref name="COS">{{cite web |date=May 1, 2019 |title=Zac Efron: Metallica's James Hetfield "crushed" his role as a cop in Ted Bundy movie |url=https://consequence.net/2019/05/zac-efron-metallica-james-hetfield-crushed-role-ted-bundy-movie/ |access-date=October 17, 2019 |publisher=[[Consequence of Sound]]}}</ref>
|-
| 2024
| ''[[The Thicket (film)|The Thicket]]''
| Simon Deasy
| Feature film
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/metallica-james-hetfield-western-movie-role-1234690551|title=James Hetfield to Appear Alongside Peter Dinklage in Upcoming Western Thriller|date=March 3, 2023|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=March 4, 2023}}</ref>
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ Television
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Role
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref(s)|Reference}}
|-
| 1996
| ''[[Space Ghost Coast to Coast]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Jacksonville"
| <ref name="RSP">{{cite news |title=Kirk Hammett |url=http://www.radioswisspop.ch/en/music-database/musician/1007593d61ccacb10f179245a9af6e1d443672/biography |access-date=October 16, 2019 |publisher=Radio Swiss Pop }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|-
| 1998–2001
| ''[[Behind the Music]]''
| Himself
| 2 episodes
|
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Dave the Barbarian]]''
| Chino (voice)
| Episode: "Here There Be Dragons"
| <ref name="GCS">{{cite web |title=Artist Insights |url=https://grammyconnectstage.mybluemix.net/relationships/lars-ulrich |access-date=October 16, 2019 |publisher=Grammy Connect Stage}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2006
| ''[[Metalocalypse]]''
| Various characters (voice)
| 4 episodes
| <ref name="GB">{{cite web |title=James Hetfield |url=https://www.giantbomb.com/james-hetfield/3005-7622/ |access-date=October 16, 2019 |publisher=Giant Bomb}}</ref>
|-
| ''{{sort|Simpsons|[[The Simpsons]]}}''
| Himself (voice)
| Episode: "[[The Mook, the Chef, the Wife and Her Homer]]"
| <ref name="TFC">{{cite web |title=Simpsons Listings |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings.aspx?id=20070112fox15 |access-date=October 17, 2019 |publisher=The Futon Critic}}</ref>
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Time Warp (TV series)|Time Warp]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Heavy Metal, Motorcross and Chain Saws"
| <ref name="KCS">{{cite web |title=Metallica to appear on Discovery's "Time Warp" |url=https://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/ent-columns-blogs/stargazing/article295849/Metallica-to-appear-on-Discovery's-"Time-Warp".html |access-date=October 16, 2019 |publisher=[[Kansas City Star]]}}</ref>
|-
| 2013
| ''Behind the Music: Remastered'' 
| Himself
| Episode: "Motörhead"
|
|-
| 2014
| ''{{sort|Hunt|The Hunt}}''
| Narrator
| Season 1
| 
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2016
| ''[[American Dad!]]''
| Water Polo Coach (voice)
| Episode: "The Life Aquatic with Steve Smith"
| <ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Watch Metallica's James Hetfield on 'American Dad' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/metallica-james-hetfield-american-dad-cameo-6866104/ |access-date=2021-04-09 |magazine=Billboard |language=en}}</ref><ref name="UG2">{{cite web |date=February 4, 2016 |title=James Hetfield Made a Bizarre 'American Dad' Appearance |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/james-hetfield-american-dad/ |access-date=October 17, 2019 |publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]]}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Billions (TV series)|Billions]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Short Squeeze"
| 
|-
| 2016–2018
| ''[[Skylanders Academy]]''
| Wolfgang (voice)
| Recurring role
|<ref name="LW">{{cite web |date=February 4, 2016 |title=Metallica's James Hetfield Contributes Voice to 'Skylanders Academy' Netflix Series |url=https://loudwire.com/metallica-james-hetfield-voice-skylanders-academy-netflix-series/ |access-date=October 17, 2019 |publisher=[[Loudwire]]}}</ref>
|-
| 2025
| ''[[Beavis and Butt-Head]]''
| Himself (voice)
| Episode: "Nacho Shake"
| 
|-
|}

==Guest appearances==
===On stage===
* Hetfield sang "[[Baby Hold On]]" at the [[Eddie Money]] Tribute Concert on February 23, 2020, in Beverly Hills.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sunny1079.com/metallicas-james-hetfield-plays-baby-hold-on-to-me-for-friend-eddie-money-at-beverly-hills-tribute/ |title=Metallica's James Hetfield Plays "Baby Hold On To Me" For Friend Eddie Money At Beverly Hills Tribute |publisher=Sunny 107.9 FM |date=February 24, 2020 |access-date=July 5, 2020}}</ref>
* Hetfield sang "[[Stone Cold Crazy]]" at the [[Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert]], accompanied by the remaining members of [[Queen (band)|Queen]] and [[Tony Iommi]] on rhythm guitar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/freddie-mercury-tribute-concert-performances/ |title=Top 10 Queen Performances From Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert |publisher=[[Ultimate Classic Rock]] |date=May 27, 2011 |access-date=October 16, 2019}}</ref>
* Hetfield performed at the Outlaws Concert in 2004, alongside [[Hank Williams Jr.]], [[Cowboy Troy]], [[Big & Rich]], [[Gretchen Wilson]], and [[Kid Rock]]. Hetfield played one of close friend [[Waylon Jennings]]'s songs, "[[Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out of Hand]]", the very same he recorded on the tribute album to Jennings, ''[[I've Always Been Crazy]]''. At this same event, he performed Metallica's "[[Mama Said (Metallica song)|Mama Said]]" with Jennings' widow Jessi Colter, though this was cut from the television broadcast.<ref name="BM">{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-s-hetfield-pays-tribute-to-country-music-s-outlaw-movement/ |title=METALLICA's HETFIELD Pays Tribute To Country Music's 'Outlaw' Movement |publisher=[[Blabbermouth]] |date=September 8, 2004 |access-date=October 16, 2019}}</ref>
* Hetfield appeared onstage with [[Alice in Chains]] on June 2, 2006, at [[Rock am Ring and Rock im Park|Rock am Ring]], singing deceased vocalist [[Layne Staley]]'s parts on the song "[[Would?]]". He again appeared with Alice in Chains to perform "Would?" when they played at [[The Warfield]] in San Francisco on November 26, 2006.<ref name="UG1">{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/metallica_interviews_alice_in_chains.html|title=Metallica Interviews Alice In Chains |publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]] |date=September 24, 2009 |access-date=October 17, 2019}}</ref>
* On November 17, 2000, Hetfield was at a [[Misfits (band)|Misfits]] concert accompanied by his body guard at [[Maritime Hall]] in San Francisco, where he eventually got up on the stage and sang "[[Beware (EP)|Last Caress]]", then "[[Die, Die My Darling]]" whilst being accompanied by the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encycmet.com/projects/projames.shtml |title=METALLICA{{Snd}} Encyclopedia Metallica{{Snd}} Projects{{Snd}} James Hetfield |publisher=Encycmet.com |access-date=July 29, 2014}}</ref>

===Musical collaborations===
* Hetfield provided backing vocals on "Man or Ash" on the [[Corrosion of Conformity]] album ''[[Wiseblood (Corrosion of Conformity album)|Wiseblood]]''.<ref name="GW">{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/10-james-hetfield-guest-appearances |title=Top 10 James Hetfield Guest Appearances |publisher=[[Guitar World]] |date=August 3, 2018 |access-date=October 16, 2019}}</ref>
* Hetfield sang backing vocals on "Twist of Cain" and "Possession" on [[Danzig (band)|Danzig]]'s debut album ''[[Danzig (album)|Danzig]]''.<ref name="GW"/>
* Hetfield played guitar on "Eclectic Electric" from the [[Primus (band)|Primus]] album ''[[Antipop]]''.<ref name="GW"/>
* Hetfield performed guest vocals on "Drivin' Rain" on the [[Gov't Mule]] album ''[[The Deep End, Volume 2]]'' and on the soundtrack ''NASCAR on Fox: Crank It Up'' (2002).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metallica.com/news/346004.html|title=James on Upcoming Gov't Mule Release|date=April 30, 2002|website=Metallica.com|access-date=September 2, 2020|archive-date=December 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203034423/https://www.metallica.com/news/346004.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Hetfield performed guest vocals on the [[Heart (band)|Heart]] song "Beautiful Broken" from their [[Beautiful Broken|album of the same name]] which was released on July 8, 2016.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-heart-james-hetfield-sing-jagged-duet-beautiful-broken-20160616|title=Hear Heart, James Hetfield Sing Jagged Duet 'Beautiful Broken'|last=Grow|first=Kory|date=June 16, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref>

===Film===
Though previously believed to have been sung by [[Trey Parker]], the song "Hell Isn't Good" from the film ''[[South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut]]'' was actually sung by Hetfield. He admitted to doing so in 2000, confirming what many Hetfield fans had already recognized as his trademark growling style.<ref name="AS">{{cite web |url=http://metallica.awardspace.com/inter.html |title=The Playboy Interview: Metallica (April 2001) |publisher=Award Space |date=April 1, 2001 |access-date=October 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002123/http://metallica.awardspace.com/inter.html |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Television===
* Hetfield appears in the ''[[Celebrity Deathmatch]]'' episode "The Battle of the Heavy Metal Maniacs", in which he fights [[Limp Bizkit]] vocalist [[Fred Durst]].<ref name="UCR">{{cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/celebrity-deathmatch-rock-stars/|title=32 Times Rock Stars Threw Down on 'Celebrity Deathmatch' |publisher=[[Ultimate Classic Rock]] |access-date=October 16, 2019}}</ref>
* In 2017, Hetfield narrated the documentary ''Addicted to Porn''.<ref name="Hetfield narrates documentary 2017">{{cite web |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/entertainment/metallicas-frontman-narrates-documentary-porn-addiction/ |title=James Hetfield narrates documentary |publisher=[[taskandpurpose.com]] |date=January 19, 2017 |access-date=January 8, 2022}}</ref>

===Music videos===
A photo of Hetfield appears in [[Rammstein]]'s music video "[[Haifisch]]".<ref name="MS">{{cite web |last1=Rosenberg |first1=Axl |url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2010/04/23/im-not-sure-that-i-understand-rammsteins-haifisch-video-but-i-like-it |title=I'm not sure that I understand Rammstein's "Haifisch" video, but I like it |publisher=[[MetalSucks]] |date=April 23, 2010 |access-date=October 14, 2020 }}</ref>

===Video games===
* James Hetfield appears as a playable character in ''[[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD]]''.<ref name="GS">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/metallica-rockers-playable-in-tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-dlc/1100-6400463/|title=Metallica rockers playable in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD DL |publisher=[[Game Spot]] |date=November 21, 2012 |access-date=October 17, 2019}}</ref>
* James Hetfield appears as a cosmetic outfit in ''[[Fortnite]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/12/24176228/metallica-fortnite-concert|title=Metallica is headlining Fortnite's next concert|publisher=[[The Verge]]|date=June 12, 2024|access-date=June 16, 2024}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{allMusic}}
* {{IMDb name|0381723}}
* {{musicbrainz artist|name=James Hetfield|id=68c34082-c1d5-4399-af9b-3921ca0a6a1f}}
* [https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4160957 NPR Interview With Metallica Guitarist and Vocalist James Hetfield (2004, audio)]
* {{cite news | first= David | last= Peisner | title= Rock Stars Who've Caught Fire Onstage! | date= February 2007 | work= Blender Magazine | url= http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?ID=2529&src=blender_ed | access-date= February 27, 2007 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184227/http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?ID=2529&src=blender_ed | archive-date= September 30, 2007}}

{{Metallica}}
{{2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}

{{Authority control}}

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