LAMB OF GOD's RANDY BLYTHE: JAMES HETFIELD 'Literally Helped Save My Life'

September 30, 2019

LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe says that James Hetfield "literally helped save" his life.

Blythe made his comments after METALLICA's tour of Australia and New Zealand was called off so that Hetfield could enter rehab to battle his addictions. The trek was slated to kick off on October 17 in Perth and was to include over 10 dates, with SLIPKNOT in the support slot.

Blythe took to social media Friday night to address Hetfield's health issues and to commend the METALLICA guitarist/vocalist for confronting his struggles head-on.

Writing in the comments section below an Instagram post from HATEBREED singer Jamey Jasta, Randy said: "I got sober while we were on tour with METALLICA almost 9 years ago. The first day of that run, one of my crew guys came to me and said 'Hey, Hetfield's looking for you'- we had been touring with them in the States & Europe for over a year and I was just RAGING, especially in Europe, but inside I was MISERABLE. He knew I had been trying to quit drinking, it wasn't working for me anymore, & it all came to an end in Australia.

"A HUGE FACTOR in my willingness & ability to get sober while on fucking heavy metal tour was the fact that I had James & some of his crew who were also sober to talk to- I didn't have to do it alone. James & crew babied me through my first month of sobriety out there on the road- it was a heavy trip. I couldn't have done it without them.

"When I saw the news about James [on Friday], I hurt so bad inside for him, because he was there for me when I was in such bad shape- I know how dark it can get. But it was also a very strong reminder for me of what I am, & what waits for me if I fuck up & forget I am alcoholic.

"If you're an alcoholic, NO ONE IS IMMUNE, no matter how long you have been sober. James is in the right place right now, though, & as he has gone there of his own volition, it sounds like to me he wants sobriety back- and that is the key to it all, you have to want it. So my thoughts & prayers are with him- I love that dude. He literally helped SAVE MY LIFE."

The 56-year-old Hetfield has been open about his addiction and alcoholism. His struggles were detailed in the 2004 documentary "Some Kind Of Monster".

A couple of years ago, Hetfield said "fear was a big motivator" in inspiring him to get clean. At that time, he said he was sober for 15 years.

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