Metallica's James Hetfield Criticizes Politicized Concerts

Metallica frontman James Hetfield told fans at the Las Vegas Sphere on Saturday that the band refuses to use its stage to push political agendas. The 63-year-old guitarist and vocalist made the comments during a performance of the group's "Life Burns Faster" residency, which began on Oct. 1 and is scheduled to conclude on March 13, 2027.

In a video shared on YouTube, Hetfield thanked the audience for traveling to see the band. He stated, "Metallica is not here, like some other entertainers, to influence you with their bulls---." He clarified that the group's focus is on "love, energy and heavy music," adding that fans come to concerts to forget about outside issues.

Hetfield did not name specific artists in his criticism, but his remarks follow a recent controversy involving rapper Macklemore. Last month, Macklemore was removed from his remaining scheduled performances on Ed Sheeran's "Loop Tour" after calling for a "Free Palestine" and performing his protest song "Hind's Hall" at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, confirmed that he opposed Macklemore performing at the venue. Kraft cited the rapper's "recent actions" and what he described as a "broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery." Following Macklemore's removal, supporting musicians including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga pulled out in solidarity.

Ed Sheeran stated in an Instagram post that he was not responsible for the decision to remove Macklemore, noting that the promoter and venues made that call. During a show in Philadelphia, Sheeran described the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic and unjustifiable" while acknowledging the "horrific" nature of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel. Sheeran defended keeping his concerts apolitical by saying his audience includes children and fans from diverse backgrounds who do not expect a political forum.

Macklemore committed the $1 million he earned from opening for Sheeran to groups aiding Palestinians. The rapper also set dates for a three-show tour focused on Palestine in late October. During this period, country singer Zach Bryan wore a "Free Palestine" T-shirt during his sold-out concerts at Gillette Stadium in October.

Hetfield has previously addressed the intersection of music and politics. In a 2016 interview with the BBC, he explained that Metallica steers clear of divisive topics to avoid polarizing audiences. He noted that while polarization exists in the United States and other places, music serves as a better tool for connection than political views. In a 2017 interview with La Tercera, Hetfield declined to share his opinion on then-President Donald Trump, stating that he prefers to stay out of politics because it separates people.

Lars Ulrich, Hetfield's bandmate in Metallica, said in a 2016 interview with Vulture that he and Hetfield have rarely discussed politics during their decades of performing together. Ulrich noted that while they have been in rooms where political conversations occurred, they have never willfully sat down to discuss specific political views.