Metallica Cancel Sonic Temple and Louder Than Life Performances to Support Hetfield's Recovery | Page 2 | Revolver

Metallica Cancel Sonic Temple and Louder Than Life Performances to Support Hetfield's Recovery

Tool and Red Hot Chili Peppers to headline Sonic Temple in thrash OGs' place
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Metallica have canceled their headlining performances at Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival in Columbus, Ohio (May 15th and 17th) and Louder Than Life in Louisville, Kentucky (September 18th and 20th) to allow singer James Hetfield to continue on his road to recovery. The band still plans to play at Danny Wimmer Presents festivals Epicenter (May 1st and 3rd), Welcome to Rockville (May 8th and 10th) and Aftershock (October 9th and 11th) as scheduled.

Red Hot Chili Peppers (who recently reunited with guitarist John Frusciante) and Tool have been announced to perform in Metallica's place at Sonic Temple, joining Saturday's previously announced headliner Slipknot. Red Hot Chili Peppers will headline Friday, May 15th, while Tool will headline Sunday, May 17th.

Hetfield — who, in January, made his first public appearance since re-entering rehab late last year — shared the following heartfelt statement:

Dear Metallica Family, 
 
It pains me to write this, but I have to let all of you know that I cannot make it to Sonic Temple in Columbus and Louder Than Life in Louisville this year. As part of my continuing effort to get and stay healthy, I have critical recovery events on those weekends that cannot be moved. I apologize to all of our fans who have bought tickets for these festivals. We are working with the festival promoters to provide for refunds or exchanges. My intent with this statement is saying "I apologize" to each one of you. The reality is that I have not prioritized my health in the past year of touring and I now know that my mental health comes first. That might sound like a no-brainer for most of you but I didn't want to let the Metallica team/family down and, I alone, completely compromised myself. 

Looking on the brighter side, my therapy is going well. It was absolutely necessary for me to look after my mental, physical, and spiritual health. 

I want to stress that the band will play all other announced 2020 shows.
 
I am looking forward to getting back to playing and seeing all our great South American fans in April. And, of course, playing the Epicenter in Charlotte, Welcome to Rockville, in Daytona and Aftershock in Sacramento. We will still play two unique sets at each of these festivals.
 
Beyond 2020, I am optimistic about the blessings I have been given and what the future brings. I appreciate all the great prayers and support from everyone since I went into rehab last September. Like the moth into the flame, being human in this career has its huge challenges and can be difficult. Your understanding helps the healing.

- James