Metallica cancel Louder Than Life and Sonic Temple festival dates

Metallica have cancelled their appearances at the Louder Than Life and Sonic Temple festivals.

In a statement released on the band’s website, frontman James Hetfield explained that while the decision to cancel the two tour dates wasn’t easy, his ongoing battle with addiction is of utmost importance now. “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,” the singer said.

Hetfield, however, reassured fans that “therapy is going well”, and emphasised that “the band will play all other announced 2020 shows”.

Read the full statement here:

View this post on Instagram

Dear Metallica Family, ・・・ It pains me to write this, but I have to let all of you know that I cannot make it to @SonicTempleFestival in Columbus and @LouderThanLifeFest 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

A post shared by Metallica (@metallica) on Feb 24, 2020 at 9:55am PST

The frontman performed for the first time post-rehab last Thursday (20 February) at the Eddie Money tribute show where he played an acoustic rendition of Money’s smash hit, Baby Hold On. The event was held to raise funds in support of the USC Eddie Money Cancer Research Fund.

Following Hetfield’s admission into rehab on 27 September last year, Metallica have since cancelled their Australian and New Zealand tour, and postponed their second annual All Within My Hands charity concert. The latter is now set to take place on 12 September.

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