Music
Metallica’s James Hetfield Throws Major Shade at Artists Who Tout Political ‘Agenda’ at Concerts
Metallica is strictly here for the music.
During a recent performance, the heavy metal band’s frontman, James Hetfield, addressed the latest wave of political statements made on concert stages across America.
In a video uploaded to YouTube on Sunday, October 11, Hetfield, 63, made a somewhat political statement of his own — saying that talk of any “agenda” isn’t going to happen.
“Unless you live in Vegas, you’ve come a long way to spend some time with Metallica,” Hetfield said from what appeared to be the band’s recent show at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“We’re grateful for that,” he continued. “Your travels, the money you spent, the time it took — thanks for coming to celebrate with us. And I just got to say, Metallica is not here like some other entertainers to influence you with their [expletive].”
Hetfield said that audiences come to their concerts “to forget” about what’s happening outside, adding: “Metallica’s agenda is love, energy and heavy music, baby!”
Though Hetfield didn’t mention anyone by name, it seems he was addressing the recent controversy that happened at Ed Sheeran‘s Loop Tour.
Macklemore (real name: Benjamin Hammond Haggert) was dropped from the tour following statements he made during the “Shape of You” singer’s New Jersey concerts — including “Free Palestine.”
The rapper, 35, said that Sheeran, 35, told him New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft objected to his scheduled appearances at Gillette Stadium and that other stadium owners had presented an ultimatum that threatened the remaining tour dates.
Kraft, 85, confirmed to TMZ that he opposed Macklemore performing at Gillette Stadium.
Following the back and forth, Macklemore announced that he donated all of his net earnings from Sheeran’s Loop Tour to organizations helping Palestinians in need.
In Macklemore’s Instagram statement, he invited Kraft to “match” his $1 million donation, adding that despite their disagreements, “perhaps” they can agree that “Palestinian lives are worth protecting.”
