The lead singer of Metallica is James Hetfield. He was born on August 3, 1963, in Downey, California. Hetfield’s parents were both of German and English descent, and he grew up in a Christian Science household.
Hetfield first became interested in music as a teenager when he started playing guitar. He formed his first band, Obsession, in 1978 with his friend Ron McGovney. Obsession played cover songs by bands such as Black Sabbath, Kiss, and AC/DC, and performed at local parties and clubs.
In 1981, Hetfield responded to an ad in a local newspaper placed by drummer Lars Ulrich, who was looking to form a new band. Hetfield and Ulrich met and hit it off immediately, and they began writing and recording music together.
Hetfield became the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Metallica, which quickly became one of the most influential and successful heavy metal bands in history. With Hetfield at the helm, Metallica released a string of hit albums, including “Master of Puppets,” “Ride the Lightning,” and “Metallica” (also known as “The Black Album”), which have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Hetfield is known for his distinctive voice and aggressive guitar playing style. His lyrics often deal with personal struggles and issues such as addiction, anger, and depression. He has also been an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about his own struggles with addiction.
In addition to his work with Metallica, Hetfield has also collaborated with other musicians and bands. He has appeared as a guest vocalist on songs by artists such as Danzig, Corrosion of Conformity, and Primus, and has also performed live with other bands, including Motörhead and Slayer.
Hetfield is also an accomplished guitarist and songwriter, having written many of Metallica’s most famous songs. He is known for his use of down-tuned guitars and aggressive riffing, and has been recognized as one of the most influential guitarists in heavy metal history.
Despite his success, Hetfield has faced his share of challenges. He has struggled with alcoholism and substance abuse, and in 2001, he entered rehab for addiction treatment. He also faced controversy in 2019 when Metallica announced that they would be playing a concert in Moscow, despite concerns about the Russian government’s treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Despite these challenges, Hetfield remains a respected and influential figure in the world of heavy metal music. He has inspired countless musicians and fans with his music and his message of personal growth and recovery, and continues to be a powerful force in the industry today.