Frontman struggling with addiction: Metallica postpones tour Down Under

Frontman suffers from addiction
Metallica postpones tour Down Under

September 28, 2019, 9:57 am

In October, Metallica wants to visit their fans in Australia and New Zealand and treat them to eight companies. None of these plans came to fruition: striker James Hetfield is undergoing addiction treatment.

American rock band Metallica has been forced to postpone its scheduled tour of Australia and New Zealand. Band leader James Hetfield is undergoing addiction treatment. “As most people know, James has been struggling with his addiction for years,” the band’s three other members, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo, wrote together on Twitter. Unfortunately, he has to start a treatment program again to work on his recovery.

“We are truly sorry to announce to our fans and friends that we have to postpone our upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand.” The band members also wrote that Metallica intends to come to Australia and New Zealand “as soon as health conditions and schedule permit.” Hetfield is considered a dry alcoholic.

According to the homepage, six shows are planned in Australia and two in New Zealand from October 17 to November 2. The metal icons have been touring German-speaking countries in recent months and thrilled fans in Mannheim and Munich at the end of August. Ticket prices already purchased will be refunded. The four musicians are now over 50 years old. The fifth album bearing the band’s name alone sold about 30 million copies.