Metallica cancels Australian tour James Hetfield is admitted to rehab for ‘addiction treatment’

‘We are devastated’: Metallica cancels their Australian tour after lead singer James Hetfield is admitted to rehab for ‘addiction treatment’

They were set to bring their WorldWired Tour with Slipknot to Australian and New Zealand shores in October.

But on Saturday, Metallica announced the tour was cancelled as lead singer James Hetfield, 56, had re-entered rehab to treat his ‘addiction’. 

Taking to Instagram, guitarist Kirk Hammett, drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Robert Trujillo released a heartbreaking statement about their band ‘brother’. 

‘We are devastated’: Metallica cancels their Australian tour after lead singer James Hetfield (pictured) is admitted to rehab for ‘addiction treatment’

Sad: Guitarist Kirk Hammett, drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Robert Trujillo released a heartbreaking statement about their band 'brother'. Left to right: James, Kirk, Lars and Robert

Sad: Guitarist Kirk Hammett, drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Robert Trujillo released a heartbreaking statement about their band ‘brother’. Left to right: James, Kirk, Lars and Robert

‘We are truly sorry to inform our fans and friends that we must postpone our upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand,’ the statement began. 

‘As most of you probably know, our brother James (Hetfield) 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. We’ll let you know as soon as we can.’

Unfortunate: 'Our brother James (Hetfield) 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,' the statement read. James is pictured performing with Kirk (left)

Unfortunate: ‘Our brother James (Hetfield) 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,’ the statement read. James is pictured performing with Kirk (left)

The tour has been postponed indefinitely as it is unknown when James will be discharged from rehab. 

In the meantime, ticket holders are entitled to a full refund for their purchases. 

The bands closing statement read: ‘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.’ 

Anticipated: The band was set to return to Australian shores for the first time in six years, having recently completed the European leg of the tour. James is pictured in Twickenham, UK

Anticipated: The band was set to return to Australian shores for the first time in six years, having recently completed the European leg of the tour. James is pictured in Twickenham, UK

The band was set to return to Australian shores for the first time in six years, having recently completed the US and European legs of the tour.  

It is unclear what ‘addiction’ James is being treated for, but he previously went to rehab in July 2001 to treat an alcohol issue, according to NME.

The singer went sober in 2002 and abstained from alcohol, cigarettes and all other forms of drugs. 

In 2016, the married father of three told podcaster Joe Rogan that the idea of losing his family scared him the most on his journey to sobriety. 

History: It is unclear what 'addiction' James is being treated for, but he previously went to rehab in July 2001 to treat an alcohol issue, according to NME. Pictured with Lars (right)

History: It is unclear what ‘addiction’ James is being treated for, but he previously went to rehab in July 2001 to treat an alcohol issue, according to NME. Pictured with Lars (right)

The full statement from Lars, Kirk and Robert

The full statement from Lars, Kirk and Robert 

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk