MUSIC GIANTS: JAMES HETFIELD

James Alan Hetfield was born on August 3, 1963, in Los Angeles of California. He was been brought up into a very strict, religious family, were his parents strongly disapproved the medicine. His parents died by cancer, refusing any medical help. This entire situation inspired James Hetfield writing “The God That Failed”, “Dyers Eve”, “Mama Said” and “Until It Sleeps”, Metallica songs.

James began piano lessons at the age of nine. After his brother encouragement, he started play drums and at the age of fourteen he turned to play guitar. As he said, Aerosmith was the main reason of starting playing the guitar. Thin Lizzy, Black Sabbath, The Beatles, Queen, Misfits and Led Zeppelin were some of his influences. After forming and playing to some bands, on 15^th October 1981, Hetfield formed Metallica, with Lars Ulrich, after reading in the journal an advertisement, posted by Lars, who was searching for musicians in order to form a band. In the first years of Metallica, James wasn’t confident enough to sing the vocals, except from playing the guitar on the group, and was asked from some singers to join Metallica. Armored Saint’s singer, John Bush was one of them, but he kindly refused, as he was fully given to his band. Thank God, Jaymz (the way he signs his autographs) changed his mind and continued to do the vocal staff.

For over a decade, after the Metallica’s debut on 1983, “Kill ‘Em All” album, James was creating some of the best heavy metal songs and albums ever, which turned Metallica into one of the most influential and successful bands of heavy metal music, and not only (in the U.S. only, Metallica has over 58 millions sales). Despite the death of his best friend, and Metallica’s bassist, Cliff Burton (even today James wears Cliff’s skull ring, on his right hand), several accidents and other misadventures he continues to create music in high level and touring unstoppably all around the world.

On his personal life, James has married in 1997, with Francesca and he is a happy parent of three children: Cali, Castor, and Marcella. On his free time he enjoys several outdoor activities, such as hunting, skateboarding, water and jet-skiing, watching football and working on his garage, customizing cars and motorcycles. Some years ago, he put his 1967 Chevrolet Camaro up for sale on eBay, with the proceeds going to a Music for Schools program. The car was used in the video for “I Disappear” and was given to him as a gift upon the video's completion.