'80s Heavy Metal Icon Makes Unexpected Admission About Metallica Songs
- - '80s Heavy Metal Icon Makes Unexpected Admission About Metallica Songs
Madz DizonJanuary 15, 2026 at 1:54 AM
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James Hetfield, the legendary voice and rhythm guitarist of Metallica, has made a rare and honest admission that caught fans off guard.
During a recent episode of The Metallica Report podcast, the 80s heavy metal icon revealed that there are still Metallica songs he finds difficult to play live, even after decades of global success and nonstop touring.
The confession came as Hetfield reflected on lessons learned from Metallica’s massive M72 World Tour. At the top of the conversation, he made it clear that age now plays a role in how he approaches live performances. While the band is still known for loud, fast and heavy music, Hetfield admitted that not every song comes easily anymore.
“We all have our own certain songs that are a little difficult,” Hetfield said. He then named two tracks that stand out for him. “‘Moth Into Flame’ and ‘Master of Puppets,’ those are two that are, ‘Wow,’ those are a little difficult.”
For many fans, “Master of Puppets” is the ultimate Metallica anthem. Hearing that the song can still push Hetfield physically shows just how demanding the band’s music really is.
James Hetfield Opens Up About Playing Metallica Songs Live
James Hetfield of Metallica performs at Eden Park on November 19, 2025 in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo by Dave Simpson/WireImage
Hetfield explained that the challenges are not about skill, but about the human body changing over time. Now 62, the singer said he has learned to listen more closely to what his body can and cannot handle.
“I guess it’s a testament of being human and aging,” he shared, adding that there are moments when he has to accept certain limits.
Despite this, Hetfield stressed that Metallica takes great care of themselves. One reason the band is still able to tour for years behind one album is because they carefully manage their schedule. Instead of playing nonstop shows, Metallica limits the number of concerts each year so they can rest, recharge, and stay strong.
Hetfield also admitted he still feels nervous before each new leg of a tour, especially when thinking about physically demanding songs. Still, he said the band pushes through together.
“I’m sure Lars has his list, we all have our list,” Hetfield noted, referring to drummer Lars Ulrich. “But we push through and we help each other with it.”
Fans still have several chances to see Metallica live this year, with the next tour leg running through Europe from early May to July. The band continues to draw massive crowds, proving that their music still resonates across generations.
Outside of touring, Hetfield has also shown different sides of his personality in recent months. Just before Christmas, he surprised fans by reading the classic poem A Visit From St. Nicholas on Metallica’s SiriusXM channel and social media. Using a calm and warm voice, far from his usual growl, Hetfield reminded listeners that he is more than just a metal frontman.
Today, even as he admits certain songs are harder to play, Hetfield sounds grateful. He has called being in Metallica “the best job in the world,” and his recent comments show a man still deeply connected to his music, his bandmates, and the fans who have followed him since the 1980s.
Related: 2010s Death Metal Band Announces Off-Show Ahead of New Tour
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
