Metallica's St. Anger is widely regarded as one of the most disappointing albums in metal history. Since its 2003 release, the thrash band's confounding eighth record has been mocked and lambasted by fans of all stripes, and now Metallica themselves are getting in on the fun.
During a couple moments on their 2022 summer tour, frontman James Hetfield had a good time cheekily asking the audience for their honest opinions on St. Anger, and then toyed with a crowd by joking that they're going to play "eight more songs" from the record — just to see people's disgusted faces.
In one video capturing Hetfield's antics, the frontman pauses between songs to say, "Question for you, you can honestly answer it to the best of your knowledge. St. Anger?," he asks while giving a thumbs up, and then following that by putting two thumbs down and to see how many people feel negatively about the album. The video captures audible booing (and a decent amount of positive cheering) during both segments, and Hetfield can be seen laughing from behind the mic, keeping a good sense of humor about the hate.
"I'm trying to encourage you. Let's give it another shot, shall we?," he asked before he and his bandmates cranked into St. Anger's fourth track, "Dirty Window."
In another video posted on YouTube, presumably at a different gig, Hetfield follows up a St. Anger song by telling the crowd, "That one's from your favorite album, St. Anger!" The audience boos and Hetfield smiles. "Oh come on, it's growing on you now. Just give it a little more time buddy, you'll get it! OK, eight more songs from St. Anger, ready? Just kidding!"
It's great that Hetfield has such a humble sense of humor about the record. Watch the hilarious vids below via YouTube.
