Metallica’s James Hetfield ordered ‘not to sing one single note’ due to throat issue
The band are forced to postpone gig
Last updated 6th Feb 2017
The second of Metallica’s quartet of shows in Denmark on Sunday night (5th February) was postponed due to James Hetfield’s ill health.
The vocalist is suffering from an unspecified throat condition and, according to a post on the band’s Facebook page, he’s under strict doctors’ orders “not to sing one single note.”
Metallica’s 5th February gig at the 15,000 capacity Copenhagen Royal Arena in Lars Ulrich’s homeland has now been pushed back until Saturday 2nd September.
The heavy metal titans also play the venue on Tuesday (7th February) and Thursday (9th February) and, at the time of writing, those shows are still going ahead.
In an apology to their Danish fans on Saturday, Metallica wrote: “We’re very disappointed to have to share with you that unfortunately as Saturday has progressed, James’ health, and specifically his throat, is not improving and he is under strict doctor’s orders to not sing one single note. So sadly we have to report that we will be postponing tomorrow’s show at the Royal Arena until September 2, 2017.
“Our week here in Copenhagen is something we have had circled on the calendar for a very long time as a special event not only for our friends in Denmark but also for us and we were really looking forward to celebrating the new arena with you. To those of you who were there yesterday, we appreciate you encouraging us to carry on . . . that meant the world to us! We all felt really bummed that we were unable to give you the maximum Metallica experience; it was one of the most challenging shows we’ve ever played, but your love and support got us through.
“We know that many of you made travel plans to spend the weekend with us and we are very sorry for any inconvenience this will cause. We hope that you will be able to come back to Copenhagen in September and we’ll do our best to make it up to everyone with something unique for you at the make-up gig, along with a kick ass show of course! And to APHYXION, the band who won your votes to be Sunday’s opening act, we hope you’re available in September.
“Thank you again for all the support and care you’ve always shown us in Denmark. We will be back!”
Nominated in the Best Rock Category for their song ‘Hardwired’, Metallica will perform at The Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night (12th February).