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Metallica Cancels Sonic Temple and Louder Than Life Headlining Slots

Metallica's James Hetfield in concert
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - MAY 14: James Hetfield of Metallica In Concert - East Rutherford, NJ on May 14, 2017 in East Rutherford City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Metallica has canceled their headlining slot at Sonic Temple fest in Columbus, Ohio, this May. They’ll be replaced by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tool.

Additionally, Metallica is bowing out of their Louder Than Life headlining set this September as well. The fest will take place in Louisville.

The band’s reason for canceling is to support singer James Hetfield’s recovery. The singer entered rehab last September.

Despite canceling those appearances, Metallica will appear at Epicenter (May 1 & 3), Welcome to Rockville (May 8 & 10) and Aftershock (October 9 & 11) as scheduled.

Last week, Hetfield appeared on-stage for the first time since he went to recovery at the Eddie Money tribute concert in Beverly Hills.

Read the full letter from Hetfield below:

It pains me to write this, but I have to let all of you know that I cannot make it to Sonic Temple in Columbus and Louder Than Life in Louisville this year. As part of my continuing effort to get and stay healthy, I have critical recovery events on those weekends that cannot be moved. I apologize to all of our fans who have bought tickets for these festivals. We are working with the festival promoters to provide for refunds or exchanges. My intent with this statement is saying “I apologize” to each one of you. The reality is that I have not prioritized my health in the past year of touring and I now know that my mental health comes first. That might sound like a no-brainer for most of you but I didn’t want to let the Metallica team/family down and, I alone, completely compromised myself.

Looking on the brighter side, my therapy is going well. It was absolutely necessary for me to look after my mental, physical, and spiritual health.

I want to stress that the band will play all other announced 2020 shows.

I am looking forward to getting back to playing and seeing all our great South American fans in April. And, of course, playing the Epicenter in Charlotte, Welcome to Rockville in Daytona and Aftershock in Sacramento. We will still play two unique sets at each of these festivals.

Beyond 2020, I am optimistic about the blessings I have been given and what the future brings. I appreciate all the great prayers and support from everyone since I went into rehab last September. Like the moth into the flame, being human in this career has its huge challenges and can be difficult. Your understanding helps the healing.

– James