Metallica has regretfully had to cancel their headline performances at Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival in Columbus, OH (May 15th & 17th) and Louder Than Life in Louisville, KY (September 18th & 20th) to allow singer James to continue his road to recovery.
Hetfield released the following statement:
“Dear Metallica Family,
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 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”
Multiplatinum and Grammy winning bands Red Hot Chili Peppers (recently reunited with guitarist John Frusciante) and Tool have been announced as new headliners for Sonic Temple, joining Saturday’s multiplatinum, Grammy winning headliner, Slipknot for the May 15th – 17th festival at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Red Hot Chili Peppers will headline May 15th while Tool will headline May 17th.
Danny Wimmer Presents founder and festival creator Danny Wimmer says, “First and foremost, I want to say how much I respect and support James for taking care of himself, and for his commitment to getting healthy. At the same time, I am also deeply devoted to providing our festivalgoers with the biggest and best festival experience in the world. As disappointed as we all are to lose Metallica, I am thrilled that Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tool, dear friends of both DWP and Metallica,are stepping up on short notice to join Slipknot, keeping Sonic Temple on track to be the greatest rock festival in America.”
Sonic Temple and Louder Than Life pass holders who would like to exchange their passes to see Metallica at another Danny Wimmer Presents festival, or would like to receive a refund, will be able to do so starting this February 28th. An email will be sent out to purchasers from Front Gate Ticketing on Friday at 10:00 AM EST with complete exchange and refund details.
I’m very happy James is putting his health first and giving it the priority it deserves….
Glad James is working things out for himself and his family. Recovery is a continuum. Good on him for having the strength and courage. I was surprised they planned those festivals last fall and even the AWMH benefit concert for March, now planned for this fall.
So who is taking their place at the Louisville festival in September? The article mentions the Ohio show replacements but not the Louder Than Life show.
As of today (2/28), their official website states:
“Full Lineup Announcement Coming Soon. Signup For Our Newsletter To Get Updates.”
Thanks Dana. I saw that but thought maybe someone in the know may have some further info. I live very close to Louisville and it would be great if TOOL would take the spot. I’d rather see them than Metallica anyway.
Of course, you’re welcome.
It’s either Tool or RHCP. That’s what the band ( METALLICA) mentioned when they posted James letter to the fans. Tool is doing Columbus so, that could mean RHCP for Louisville