James Hetfield news
The gist
James Hetfield told a Las Vegas Sphere crowd Metallica is not there to influence fans.
The remarks land amid a wider fight over politics at concerts.
How it unfolded
- Oct 10, 2026During Metallica's Life Burns Faster residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, James Hetfield told the crowd the band is not there "like some other entertainers, to influence you with their bulls***" and said "Metallica's agenda is love, energy and heavy music, baby!"
- Oct 12, 2026Fox News, Contactmusic.com, American Songwriter and Louder published reports on Hetfield's onstage remarks.
- Oct 13, 2026Planet Rock posted about Hetfield's statement at the Sphere show; SF Chronicle published a report on the remarks.