Metallica have cancelled their tour of Australia and New Zealand after announcing that frontman James Hetfield had returned to rehab.
Messages of support have poured in for the 56-year-old, who has battled addiction and alcoholism for many years.
Sending thanks to all of you out there sending your support to us. 🤘⚡️🖤 #MetallicaFamily
⚡️📸A Brett Murray Photo📸⚡️ #brettmurrayphotography pic.twitter.com/zJkosQ2gyj
— Kirk Hammett (@KirkHammett) September 28, 2019
James Hetfield has been a friend of mine long before @Metallica. I always looked up to him as a musician even when we were in high school. If he needs anything , he has my number. I have been sober for 2 years. It’s not easy. I’m with you big guy. pic.twitter.com/W4zmup8iTH
— Ron McGovney (@RonMcGovney) September 28, 2019
Sending my best to James Hetfield Of @Metallica Take care of yourself my friend,You are a human being like everyone else that has real struggles. The disease of Alcoholism doesn’t discriminate. You are very strong to take the steps needed to be healthy and happy.The rest can wait
— matt sorum (@mattsorum) September 28, 2019
To our Australian and New Zealand fans and family: pic.twitter.com/eb7jap4Wvq
— Slipknot (@slipknot) September 28, 2019
His struggle was detailed in the 2004 documentary, Some Kind Of Monster.
A couple of years ago, Hetfield said he had been sober for 15 years.
