Metallica's James Hetfield Discusses How Music Saved His Life — Video

In this new video from Road Recovery, Metallica's James Hetfield opens up about his rocky past.

He's done things he isn't proud of, he admits, but music saved his life by giving him an outlet to write and express himself.

“Shame's a big thing for me," Hetfield says. "Playing music has saved my life. Every day it saves my life. When I am able to write, write a riff, write some lyrics, stuff like that, it’s a way I connect with the world.”

For more about Road Recovery, visit roadrecovery.org.

Road Recovery Up-Close #3: Metallica's James Hetfield on How Music Saved his Life - YouTube Road Recovery Up-Close #3: Metallica's James Hetfield on How Music Saved his Life - YouTube
Watch On
Damian Fanelli
Editor-in-Chief, Guitar World

Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He's written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'The Complete Epic Recordings Collection' (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn's The Gas House Gorillas, was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron, a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums. He now plays in two NYC-area bands.