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Following the news of Metallica frontman James Hetfield returning to rehab and the subsequent cancellation of their Australian/New Zealand tour with Slipknot next month, the internet has begun to rally behind Papa Het in a show of support.
Lamb Of God vocalist Randy Blythe took to the comments section of an Instagram post by Hatebreed's Jamey Jasta to share his story of how Hetfield "literally helped save his life" from addiction when the two were on tour together many years ago:
I got sober while we were on tour with Metallica almost 9 years ago. The first day of that run, one of my crew guys came to me and said “Hey, Hetfield’s looking for you”- we had been touring with them in the States & Europe for over a year and I was just RAGING, especially in Europe, but inside I was MISERABLE. He knew I had been trying to quit drinking, it wasn’t working for me anymore, & it all came to an end in Australia. A HUGE FACTOR in my willingness & ability to get sober while on fucking heavy metal tour was the fact that I had James & some of his crew who were also sober to talk to - I didn’t have to do it alone.
James & crew babied me through my first month of sobriety out there on the road - it was a heavy trip. I couldn’t have done it without them. When I saw the news about James today, I hurt so bad inside for him, because he was there for me when I was in such bad shape - I know how dark it can get. But it was also a very strong reminder for me of what I am, & what waits for me if I fuck up & forget I am alcoholic. If you’re an alcoholic, NO ONE IS IMMUNE, no matter how long you have been sober. James is in the right place right now, though, & as he has gone there of his own volition, it sounds like to me he wants sobriety back - and that is the key to it all, you have to want it. So my thoughts & prayers are with him - I love that dude. He literally helped SAVE MY LIFE.
While we're all super disappointed that next month's tour has been called off, we're also stoked that James is getting the help he needs, and it's great to see such a show of solidarity from friends and fans around the world.
