James Hetfield, the iconic voice of Metallica, surprised fans with an unexpected vocal performance. The metal legend recently celebrated his 61st birthday with a lighthearted video message. In a playful twist, Hetfield inhaled helium from a balloon, transforming his signature deep growl into a surprisingly high-pitched tone.
What followed was nothing short of unexpected. The frontman of one of the world’s most influential metal bands then launched into a snippet of their mega-hit, “Enter Sandman”, his voice taking on a comical squeakiness. The contrast between Hetfield’s usual powerful vocals and this helium-infused rendition is both jarring and undeniably entertaining.
It’s a rare glimpse into the lighter side of the metal icon. The video has quickly captured the attention of fans worldwide, prompting a wave of amusement and shared disbelief.
A Metal Titan’s Early Years
Hetfield hails from Downey, California. Born in 1963 to truck driver Virgil and singer Cynthia, Hetfield’s upbringing was marked by his parents’ staunch Christian Scientist beliefs. His mother’s tragic passing from cancer in 1979, a period when medical treatments were shunned by their faith, deeply influenced Metallica’s music, notably the track “The God That Failed”.
Hetfield’s musical journey commenced at nine with piano, transitioning to guitar at fourteen. His teenage years saw him in bands Leather Charm and Obsession. Fate intervened when he answered a classified ad in 1981, placed by drummer Lars Ulrich, birthing Metallica.
Reflecting on Metallica’s inaugural gig with original guitarist Dave Mustaine, Hetfield shared with The Pulse Of Radio the band’s shaky start. A broken string left him stranded without his guitar, forcing him into an uncomfortable solo vocal performance.
Metallica’s Rise to Metal Dominance and Losing Cliff Burton
Metallica solidified its lineup with the addition of bassist Cliff Burton and lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, who replaced Dave Mustaine. The band signed with Megaforce Records in 1983, releasing their debut album Kill ‘Em All that year, while relocating from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
As pioneers of the underground speed metal movement, Metallica’s influence grew exponentially. They signed with major label Elektra Records in 1984, just as their sophomore album Ride The Lightning hit the shelves. Hetfield recalled a burgeoning scene in San Francisco, fueled by Metallica’s rising popularity: “After coming back from the ‘Ride The Lightning’ tour, the scene had grown so big.”
Tragedy struck in 1986 with the untimely death of Burton. Despite this devastating loss, Metallica’s ascent continued, achieving gold status with Master Of Puppets and platinum with …And Justice For All.
Hetfield’s Road to Recovery and Metallica’s Resilience
Hetfield’s personal struggles in the 1990s culminated in a much-needed rehab stint in 2002. He returned to Metallica, contributing to the controversial St. Anger album and the revealing documentary Some Kind Of Monster, which candidly chronicled his battles and the band’s near-implosion.
Hetfield embraced vulnerability, sharing his experiences with fans: “The more that people know about me and my struggles, the easier it will be to connect with people.” While St. Anger received a divided response, it served as a catalyst for the band’s resurgence.
Metallica emerged stronger than ever with their 2008 album Death Magnetic. Reflecting on their journey, Hetfield expressed gratitude: “We were given some sort of gift to continue and not fall like many other bands have.” The band’s unwavering dedication is evident in their relentless touring cycle for their latest album, 72 Seasons, released in April 2023.