James Hetfield was a key figure in shaping the thrash metal pioneers that swept the world in the 1980s. Metallica’s leader, James Hetfield, has had a tremendous influence on the music landscape, demonstrating his ability to straddle the line in his career and achieve great success from numerous viewpoints.
Although his work transcends numerous ages and generations, Hetfield’s competence is clearly inside a sphere that many are familiar with. He grew up in the 1970s and 1980s amid the raw essence of metal. Expertly fusing the identity of major bands from that era with punk’s raw, rebellious attitude and strongly anti-establishment ambition.
As a committed music fan and a vital factor in Metallica’s success, Hetfield has also frequently been requested to provide comments on some of the band’s most influential personalities throughout the years. Throughout the 1980s, the grunge scene, for example, crossed over into the rock and metal scenes, exposing Hetfield to many trailblazers.
The movement famously crystallized in Seattle during the late 1980s, subsequently increasing its influence globally in the early 1990s, led by bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden. As a committed fan of the era, Hetfield has openly lauded the talent of grunge’s frontmen, even singling out one as “timeless.”
“I just love hearing those songs,” Hetfield told Revolver in 2009 of Alice in Chains’ influence. “Those songs are fantastic, and they should be heard.” They were one-of-a-kind. They were so far ahead of their time. And, of all the Seattle material, that is the most timeless.”
He held the band in such high respect that he once did something unusual for his career: he joined them onstage. In 2006, he performed their iconic song ‘Would?’ at Rock Am Ring in Germany, showcasing his voice and guitar skills. He replicated this cooperation later that year in San Francisco, California, staying faithful to the spirit.
Hetfield recalls rushing to see the band support fellow thrash pioneers Slayer in the same interview. “I wasn’t close with Layne [Staley],” he admitted. But I recall seeing Alice In Chains several times. I recall when we were in Los Angeles. [In 1991]. I left the studio early to see them play Slayer on Clash of the Titans.”
“I was driving like a lunatic in this rented van, going on the median and scaring the shit out of my friend,” he added. “They barely stepped off as we breathlessly reached the platform. Our haste had been in vain.” I exclaimed, ‘Aw, guy!’ I spent a little time with them. I’ve always loved their music. I’d say Jerry [Cantrell] and I have a few life experiences in common. “It’s like getting a second chance in life and realizing how awesome things can be.”
