Metallica Cancel Australian And New Zealand Tour After James Hetfield Returns To Rehab
Monday, 30 September 2019
Written by Jon Stickler
Metallica have cancelled dates they were due to play in Australia and New Zealand after frontman James Hetfield returned to rehab.
A statement from the band, which also includes members Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo, confirmed the news and apologised to fans.
Metallica have also pledged to refund all tickets sold for the tour, which was scheduled to begin on October 17 in Perth and conclude on November 2 in Auckland, with details on how to obtain refunds on the band's website.
"We are truly sorry to inform our fans and friends that we must postpone our upcioming tour of Australia and New Zealand.
As most of you probably know, our brother James has been struggling with addiction on and off for many years.
He has now, unfortunately, had to re-enter a treatment program to work on his recovery again.
We fully intend to make our way to your part of the world as soon as health and schedule permit.
Once again, we are devastated that we have inconvenienced so many of you, especially our most loyal fans who often travel great distances to experience our shows.
We appreciate your understanding and support for James and, as always, thank you for being a part of our Metallica family."
The news broke on the anniversary of the death of former Metallica bassist Cliff Burton, who died on September 27, 1986 after he was thrown from a tour bus window when the vehicle skidded on ice in Sweden.
Hetfield has struggled with the loss of his bandmate and his battles with addiction were documented in the 2004 movie Some Kind Of Monster, which chronicled the vocalist's first attempt at rehabilitation.
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