First, he thanked the fans for the time and money they spent getting there.
It was Saturday night, October 10, 2026, at the Sphere in Las Vegas, as part of the “Life Burns Faster” residency, which will add up to 24 shows by March 2027. James Hetfield acknowledged that unless you live in the city, you traveled a long way to see Metallica.
And then he dropped what no one expected: the band isn’t there, like other artists, to influence anyone with their nonsense. “We’re here to forget about what’s happening outside. Metallica’s agenda is love, energy, and heavy music”.
He didn’t mention any musician by name. Still, several media outlets and fans connected it to the controversy over Macklemore being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour. Hetfield didn’t confirm he was talking about him. Nor is this a new position: in 2017, in an interview, he said he hates politics because it divides people.
And that’s where the clash lies: Metallica also wrote about power and social conflicts. “…And Justice for All” is about corruption and abuse of power, and “One” is about a soldier shattered by combat. Is it consistent for them to make this speech? Do you agree with what he said?
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